Faith-based communities are some of our greatest resources in times of uncertainty and fear. Members trust the word of their pastors and will often make decisions based upon their pastor’s recommendations and God’s word. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, pastors and other faith-leaders have to make sure that accurate information is provided and that adequate support is given to their members.

I’ve heard about pastors that have been hesitant and sometimes even resistant to government recommendations to postpone services due to this highly contagious virus. Believe me, I understand how important it is to not forsake the assembly of believers. However, let me explain some things to you as a public health professional.

About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a new virus that was discovered in December 2019. It is thought to have started at a market in Wuhan, China. From there, it spread all over the world, which is why it is called a pandemic. This virus is highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets that occur when someone sneezes or coughs. Those droplets can land on surfaces, such as door knobs, rails, and other things that people commonly touch. When others come into contact with those droplets, it can expose them to the virus.

Public health officials are recommending measures called social distancing to slow the spread of this virus. One method of social distancing includes avoiding large groups. Another includes people maintaining at least a 6ft radius from each other. This is because we know that respiratory droplets can travel at least 3ft – 6ft away. Social distancing is also important to slow the spread because we don’t want our healthcare system to become overloaded with persons sick with coronavirus.

Signs of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It can take 2 to 14 days to show symptoms. There are some people that have the coronavirus and may not even show signs of it. However, those persons can still spread the virus. Persons that are above the age of 60 and those with preexisting conditions are more likely to have complications with this virus and are even at risk for death. Unlike the flu, there is no vaccine or medications for COVID-19 and humans do not have a natural immunity to it.

Why Is This Affecting the Church

Government authorities have been requiring churches to close because we need to reduce the number of people getting the coronavirus. It is difficult to maintain social distance measures in large groups. One infected individual can infect as many as 3 people, and those 3 people can EACH infect 3 people, and so forth. It would be terrible to have an outbreak start in our churches and have members die. Sadly, this has happened in churches around the United States.

Many churches have members above the age of 60 and those with preexisting conditions such as cancer, lung problems, diabetes and other issues. We certainly don’t want to put our beloved members at risk, right? And while we have faith, God also gives us wisdom. Good shepherds take care to make sure that their sheep are not placed in danger.

The coronavirus pandemic may have caught some of us off guard, but it certainly did not surprise God! There are a multitude of ways in which you can keep your congregation engaged, even if you aren’t meeting physically in a building. Besides, the church isn’t the actual building, right? 

Here’s a list of ways in which we can serve and protect our congregations from a public health and faith-based perspective.

Tips to Assist Your Congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Educate yourself on what coronavirus is and how it spreads. Share accurate information about it to your congregation. Do not share partisan politics or conspiracy theories.
• Communicate regularly via email and social media about the status of your church services. Are you holding online services? If so, what days and times can members join you? On what social media platform? Will it be on your website too?
• Have a person available to serve those who may have difficulty with accessing your services online. Provide CDs or DVDs of the services for those without internet access.
• Make prayer a priority, with regularly scheduled prayer meetings via teleconference options. Have someone available to pray with those who may need special prayer.
• Provide counseling options for those who are having a difficult time coping. Many therapists have options to provide counseling online via Zoom and other methods.
• Set up a way for persons to make financial contributions via mail, text messaging, apps, online and other methods.
• Consistently check on your elderly and disabled members. Offer to assist them with grocery shopping or with any other need that they might have.
• Share helpful scriptures and devotionals, especially those that deal with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.
• Be transparent! Share your experiences and thoughts about what is going on. You are human too!
• Offer financial assistance for members that are laid off or unemployed because of the coronavirus.
• Start thinking about alternatives for Easter services. While we would love to have our traditional sunrise services and easter egg hunts, that may not be possible for this year.
• Consider ways to serve your community. Is your community in need of a building for emergency operations and response? Consider offering your church. School is out in many areas and some children may need meals. How can you help to ensure that these children are fed?
• Be willing to think outside of the box! Consider streaming sermons from your living room. Come up with fun activity ideas for families sheltering in place. Encourage small groups that meet online.
• Follow the directives of your local, state and federal government when scheduling in person service times and gatherings. Set the example as religious leaders!

Be encouraged brothers and sisters! God will see us through this. In the meantime, let’s pray for our leaders and use godly wisdom as we deal with this unprecedented health crisis.