While coronavirus cases might level off or fall in some places, it has not completely disappeared. Will it be safe to invite older individuals and\/or those with increased risk to be in an enclosed space with others who might be asymptomatic? Perhaps delaying your first in-person worship service \u2013 and\/or a slow rollout of activities and programs \u2013 would be best.<\/p>\n
Consider starting first with Sunday worship, and wait to offer Sunday School and other programs onsite.<\/p>\n
Or, find creative ways to space out seating in your sanctuary \u2013 or hold worship outdoors during the warmer summer months.<\/p>\n
2. What if church gatherings are initially limited to no more than 50 people? <\/strong><\/h3>\nIf physical gatherings are limited in size, you might consider offering more (and\/or shorter) services or continuing supplemental online services. Start thinking about how to work around potential attendance limitations.<\/p>\n
3. How will you handle children\u2019s activities?<\/strong><\/h3>\nIt\u2019s hard for most kids to understand why they need to keep a certain amount of distance between them and their friends. Should you delay or cancel children\u2019s activities, like vacation Bible school, children\u2019s church, and\/or children\u2019s time? Or are there alternatives you could implement to reduce the spread of viruses and germs, but still engage your church\u2019s children and youth?<\/p>\n
4. How will you \u201cpass the plate\u201d? <\/strong><\/h3>\nCollecting tithes and offerings in a physical plate might no longer be feasible. Consider collecting the offering via hands-free receptacles, or offer an online giving option (if you don\u2019t already). Church members might also send their tithes and offerings through their bank\u2019s electronic bill pay options<\/a> or a donor advised fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n5. What modifications should you make to religious rites and ceremonies?<\/strong><\/h3>\nMight your congregation adjust how it handles baptisms, anointing, footwashing and communion \u2013 both for the short- and long-term?<\/p>\n
6. How will you ask church members to think differently about their Sunday morning norms?<\/strong><\/h3>\nWith the risk of additional coronavirus surges, what used to be common practices may no longer be appropriate.<\/p>\n
Perhaps your church members should greet each other verbally rather than shaking hands.<\/p>\n
What are some of the social norms that worship participants may not think of that could pose a health danger to others?<\/p>\n
7. What will you do about fellowship time and potlucks? <\/strong><\/h3>\nMany churches offer a brief time for people to gather, have coffee\/tea and talk between worship and Sunday School. But, given COVID-19, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest to shorten \u2013 or even eliminate \u2013 this fellowship time to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to one another.<\/p>\n
Likewise, the familiar act of sharing a meal or potluck as a community also could put some people’s health at risk. How might your church find safe alternatives for breaking bread together?<\/p>\n
8. Should church business meetings be handled differently? <\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether it\u2019s out of precaution or because of busy schedules, maybe church business meetings, committee meetings, etc. could (or should) continue by phone or video. Who knows, perhaps others might want to volunteer for leadership roles if changes are made to make meetings more flexible!<\/p>\n
9. How will you manage non-Sunday activities and programs? <\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Bible study gatherings, to mid-week activities, to inviting external groups to use your church space \u2013 how will you manage everything that happens in your church building during the rest of the week? Creatively plan for these decisions.<\/p>\n
10. What extra steps can you take to care for your church family?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard for most kids to understand why they need to keep a certain amount of distance between them and their friends. Should you delay or cancel children\u2019s activities, like vacation Bible school, children\u2019s church, and\/or children\u2019s time? Or are there alternatives you could implement to reduce the spread of viruses and germs, but still engage your church\u2019s children and youth?<\/p>\n
4. How will you \u201cpass the plate\u201d? <\/strong><\/h3>\nCollecting tithes and offerings in a physical plate might no longer be feasible. Consider collecting the offering via hands-free receptacles, or offer an online giving option (if you don\u2019t already). Church members might also send their tithes and offerings through their bank\u2019s electronic bill pay options<\/a> or a donor advised fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n5. What modifications should you make to religious rites and ceremonies?<\/strong><\/h3>\nMight your congregation adjust how it handles baptisms, anointing, footwashing and communion \u2013 both for the short- and long-term?<\/p>\n
6. How will you ask church members to think differently about their Sunday morning norms?<\/strong><\/h3>\nWith the risk of additional coronavirus surges, what used to be common practices may no longer be appropriate.<\/p>\n
Perhaps your church members should greet each other verbally rather than shaking hands.<\/p>\n
What are some of the social norms that worship participants may not think of that could pose a health danger to others?<\/p>\n
7. What will you do about fellowship time and potlucks? <\/strong><\/h3>\nMany churches offer a brief time for people to gather, have coffee\/tea and talk between worship and Sunday School. But, given COVID-19, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest to shorten \u2013 or even eliminate \u2013 this fellowship time to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to one another.<\/p>\n
Likewise, the familiar act of sharing a meal or potluck as a community also could put some people’s health at risk. How might your church find safe alternatives for breaking bread together?<\/p>\n
8. Should church business meetings be handled differently? <\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether it\u2019s out of precaution or because of busy schedules, maybe church business meetings, committee meetings, etc. could (or should) continue by phone or video. Who knows, perhaps others might want to volunteer for leadership roles if changes are made to make meetings more flexible!<\/p>\n
9. How will you manage non-Sunday activities and programs? <\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Bible study gatherings, to mid-week activities, to inviting external groups to use your church space \u2013 how will you manage everything that happens in your church building during the rest of the week? Creatively plan for these decisions.<\/p>\n
10. What extra steps can you take to care for your church family?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
5. What modifications should you make to religious rites and ceremonies?<\/strong><\/h3>\nMight your congregation adjust how it handles baptisms, anointing, footwashing and communion \u2013 both for the short- and long-term?<\/p>\n
6. How will you ask church members to think differently about their Sunday morning norms?<\/strong><\/h3>\nWith the risk of additional coronavirus surges, what used to be common practices may no longer be appropriate.<\/p>\n
Perhaps your church members should greet each other verbally rather than shaking hands.<\/p>\n
What are some of the social norms that worship participants may not think of that could pose a health danger to others?<\/p>\n
7. What will you do about fellowship time and potlucks? <\/strong><\/h3>\nMany churches offer a brief time for people to gather, have coffee\/tea and talk between worship and Sunday School. But, given COVID-19, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest to shorten \u2013 or even eliminate \u2013 this fellowship time to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to one another.<\/p>\n
Likewise, the familiar act of sharing a meal or potluck as a community also could put some people’s health at risk. How might your church find safe alternatives for breaking bread together?<\/p>\n
8. Should church business meetings be handled differently? <\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether it\u2019s out of precaution or because of busy schedules, maybe church business meetings, committee meetings, etc. could (or should) continue by phone or video. Who knows, perhaps others might want to volunteer for leadership roles if changes are made to make meetings more flexible!<\/p>\n
9. How will you manage non-Sunday activities and programs? <\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Bible study gatherings, to mid-week activities, to inviting external groups to use your church space \u2013 how will you manage everything that happens in your church building during the rest of the week? Creatively plan for these decisions.<\/p>\n
10. What extra steps can you take to care for your church family?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
With the risk of additional coronavirus surges, what used to be common practices may no longer be appropriate.<\/p>\n
Perhaps your church members should greet each other verbally rather than shaking hands.<\/p>\n
What are some of the social norms that worship participants may not think of that could pose a health danger to others?<\/p>\n
7. What will you do about fellowship time and potlucks? <\/strong><\/h3>\nMany churches offer a brief time for people to gather, have coffee\/tea and talk between worship and Sunday School. But, given COVID-19, it may be in everyone\u2019s best interest to shorten \u2013 or even eliminate \u2013 this fellowship time to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to one another.<\/p>\n
Likewise, the familiar act of sharing a meal or potluck as a community also could put some people’s health at risk. How might your church find safe alternatives for breaking bread together?<\/p>\n
8. Should church business meetings be handled differently? <\/strong><\/h3>\nWhether it\u2019s out of precaution or because of busy schedules, maybe church business meetings, committee meetings, etc. could (or should) continue by phone or video. Who knows, perhaps others might want to volunteer for leadership roles if changes are made to make meetings more flexible!<\/p>\n
9. How will you manage non-Sunday activities and programs? <\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Bible study gatherings, to mid-week activities, to inviting external groups to use your church space \u2013 how will you manage everything that happens in your church building during the rest of the week? Creatively plan for these decisions.<\/p>\n
10. What extra steps can you take to care for your church family?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s out of precaution or because of busy schedules, maybe church business meetings, committee meetings, etc. could (or should) continue by phone or video. Who knows, perhaps others might want to volunteer for leadership roles if changes are made to make meetings more flexible!<\/p>\n
9. How will you manage non-Sunday activities and programs? <\/strong><\/h3>\nFrom Bible study gatherings, to mid-week activities, to inviting external groups to use your church space \u2013 how will you manage everything that happens in your church building during the rest of the week? Creatively plan for these decisions.<\/p>\n
10. What extra steps can you take to care for your church family?<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Now is the time to sanitize and sterilize the entire church building \u2013 and keep doing it until and after you physically reopen the church.<\/p>\n
And, if you haven\u2019t already, think about placing hand sanitizer in common areas, spreading out worship and Christian education seating, and\/or offering non-medical face masks to attenders.<\/p>\n
11. Should you invest in or upgrade your digital equipment? <\/strong><\/h3>\nOnline worship has gained in popularity over the years \u2013 and even more so due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines. If your church plans to continue some form of online worship or programs, and your church budget allows for it, it might make sense to invest in equipment to help the church be more efficient and proficient in this area.<\/p>\n
12. Do you need to adjust your church policies and\/or structure? <\/strong><\/h3>\nThe \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\nBy intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n
\u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The \u201cnext normal\u201d for our faith communities should include updated congregational plans related to church finances, crisis communication, and maybe also health and hygiene policies.<\/p>\n
And, if you plan to continue offering online programs, you might think about whether or not you need volunteer or staff leadership positions focused on your church\u2019s digital ministries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Any decisions you and your congregation make may very well look different from what other churches decide, given your specific context and congregational needs. Your denominational leadership may have further guidance and suggestions; also check with the World Health Organization<\/a> and national, regional and local governments.<\/p>\n By intentionally considering, praying and planning for your congregation\u2019s \u201cnext normal,\u201d your faith community will be better prepared when the stay-at-home guidelines are eased \u2013 and your church members will appreciate your care of their physical, financial and spiritual health and well-being.<\/p>\n \u2014A Mennonite World Conference release by Madalyn Metzger, vice president of marketing, Everence. This article first appeared on the Everence blog, then on <\/em>The Mennonite Inc. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"12](\"https:\/\/mwc-cmm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/50066968878_0e48bf00e4_c.jpg\")
<\/a>