Since Governor Abbott’s press conference Monday, ministry leaders have been asking, “When is it best for us to resume public worship at church, and what will that look like.” The timing question I addressed in a previous post. But what about the latter question?
Whether you relaunch public worship gatherings sooner or later, one thing is clear. It will not be the same as your last Sunday together. All the data I read suggest that the protocols for disinfecting surfaces, some degree of social distancing, and the encouragement of high risk persons to participate remotely will remain in effect until the final phase of reopening. How this works in your setting is, again, an individual decision. Far be it from me to suggest a blanket policy.
There are some commitments that I believe we should all embrace. I’ll share those in my next post. What I’d like to do here is give you some things to consider as you unpack what those early services back at church might look like.
First, it is likely that these first few services back at church will be worship only. Given the spacial limitations due to social distancing, on campus small groups may prove difficult. A colleague shared this morning how a 300 square foot room with a normal capacity of 20 persons could only seat three if social distancing were practiced. Until those limitations are relaxed, remote discipleship strategies remain essential.
Second, it is likely that nursery, preschool and children’s ministries will be limited until the conclusion of the COVID 19 pandemic. Several issues impact this, from the inherent difficulty in socially distancing children at play to the temporary loss of senior adult volunteers. A major concern I hear is how long it may be before young parents feel comfortable leaving their children with anyone. Let me encourage you, when you do resume children’s programs, over communicate to parents the steps you are taking to disinfect the area and protect their kids. Texas Baptists have produced a great article concerning the reopening of children’s programs. It’s worth reading.
Third, given that students are in theory better able to follow directions, youth ministries can likely be started early. As long as social distancing protocols are in force, adult leaders will need to monitor their practice. I’m thinking of that boy who attends youth group less for spiritual formation than for the company of the deacon’s daughter…. Wait a minute. We don’t have any of that here, right? Still, student ministry will be only slightly more dangerous than it normally is.
Seriously, student ministry has taken a hit. While most youth pastors have connected well with their groups through tools like Facebook and Zoom, the cancellation of sports, senior events and other activities have taken their toll. Thinking about it, I wonder if this group - especially seniors — may be the most impacted by the non-medical consequences of COVID 19. Student leaders are encouraged to check out another Texas Baptist resource, Considerations for Relaunch of Youth Ministry.
Fourth, returning to the subject of worship, there is a lot to consider before simply starting up. Whatever you think of COVID 19, we have an obligation to follow “minimum health protocols.” The good news is that, the farther we progress through the phases of reopening, the lighter these protocols become. This is true, unless we see a resurgence in cases. Public health officials say the most surprising element of this pandemic is how much COVID 19 spreads through asymptomatic carriers. This means that having greeters open doors, having restroom attendants disinfect between each use, spacing people sufficiently for congregational singing, and other adaptations will be especially important.
Here are just a few things churches across Texas are doing as they plan their initial services:
Extra volunteers in the parking areas, masked and gloved of course, to welcome guests and guide them to the preferred entrance.
Sending masks, that the greeters will eventually wear, for the children at home to decorate and return to church. On Sunday they will look out for their mask. Bonus: the masks become less scary to the kids.
Some churches that are planning for a later launch are inviting Sunday School classes to attend on Sunday, both as a trial run for their plan and a “live studio audience” for the pastor and worship team. Others are using Wednesday’s for their trial run.
Churches planning multiple services are using Eventbrite or other event registration tools to make the most of their available seating. This also enables them to gauge which families are ready to come back.
Churches with removable seating are setting up in a 6-4-2 pattern. Each row will have six seats, space, four seats, space, two, space, two, space, four, space, etc. Ushers help seat attenders. Those with round tables are spacing them out and seating one family per table.
Whatever means churches use to determine who attends which service, they leave room for guests. They do not register or assign to their current limited capacity.
Almost all churches are continuing to lives stream their services after they resume at-church worship. Those that do, however, need to check their music licenses. Does it allow for streaming? Facebook live will mute your stream if they detect you using unlicensed music or otherwise violating copyrights. Please note, the regular CCLI license for in-church PowerPoint use does not cover streaming or broadcasting of music.
There is a lot to consider. Whether you are relaunching this Sunday, later in May, or into June, you will want to be well prepared as you work toward bringing the congregation back together.
Let us know what adjustments you are making. In doing so, you may bless a sister congregation. And as always, if I can serve you in any way, give me a call. I love you. You’re in my prayers.
Blessings,
Jim