COVID-19 Resources for Faith-Based Communities
COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has had a profound effect on our world since the first case was discovered in December 2019. This highly contagious virus has resulted in well over a million cases globally, with tens of thousands of people dying all over the world.
Many nations are implementing social distancing measures, which restricts the number of people gathering in one place and how close they can be together. These protective measures have pretty much led to a halt of in-person religious services. However, social distancing doesn’t mean that we have to be completely isolated from others. There are ways in which we can stay connected through the use of technology!
Here are some helpful resources for faith-based communities as we navigate through this pandemic.
Fact Sheets about COVID-19
- What You Need to Know About Coronavirus Disease
- How Coronavirus Spreads
- Coronavirus Facts for the Public: Myth Busters
How To Protect Yourself
- About Social Distancing
- Washing Your Hands in Five Easy Steps
- Stop the Spread of Germs
- When and How to Use a Mask
- CDC Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings
- Using Cloth Face Coverings to Slow the Speed of COVID-19
- Disinfecting Your Home If Someone Is Sick
- Disinfection Recommendations for Community Facilities
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
- Online Toolkit for Those Supporting Individuals with Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- National Autism Association COVID-19 Resources
- Helping Children Cope with Changes from COVID-19
- Child Mind Institute COVID-19 Resources
- World Health Organization: Parenting in the Time of COVID-19
Resources for Faith-Based and Community Leaders
- Interim Guidance for Faith and Community Leaders
- Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders
- Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus
- How the Church Should Respond to the Coronavirus
- Church of God Response
- Southern Baptist Convention Response
- Religions for Peace Response
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Statement
- COVID-19 Resources for Catholics
- Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources
- Union for Reform Judaism COVID-19 Resources
- Islamic Circle of North America COVID-19 Resources
- Presbyterian Church COVID-19 Resources
- Episcopal Church in Maine COVID-19 Resources
Online Tools to Communicate with Your Congregation
- Zoom – A resource for online meetings with free and paid options.
- Free Conference Call – A free resource for teleconferences and online meetings.
- Mailchimp – A way to send emails to groups of people using templates.
- Constant Contact – An email marketing platform.
- Restream.io – Allows you to simultaneously stream your worship service on multiple online platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube and more.
- Church Online Platform – A free chat, live prayer, and video streaming service provided by Life.Church.
- How to Take Your Church Virtual (Fast): The Ultimate Guide to Church Live-Streaming During Crisis – Several tools and tips that can help your church become virtual.
- Free Resources for Churches – Apps, platforms and helpful resources for churches.
- Tools for Taking Worship Online – Helpful links and tutorials for online worship.
Other Helpful Ministries
- Key Ministry
- National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
- GuideStone Resources for Churches and Ministers
- Wheaton College COVID-19 Resources
These resources are by no means exhaustive, but I hope that you will find some of them helpful! If you know of any additional resources, please share them with me in the comments. Stay safe and healthy!
