Last updated June 8, 2020
COVID-19 & Churches: Meetings, Services & Reopening Info
reopening: advance planning
Reopening houses of worship: Boston’s Approach
from Mayor Walsh — May 19, 2020
Places of worship must take a very cautious approach and are urged to not reopen if they have doubts about being able to plan, implement, and monitor strict safety guidelines.
The Statewide “Safer at Home” policy remains in place, which advises against people 65 and older leaving home unless absolutely necessary. The Mayor urged seniors to adhere to the advisory and hold off on going back to places of worship, even if services restart. He also asked faith leaders to reach out to their elderly parishioners, to guide them and support them in putting safety first, and keep them connected in other ways.
The City has been getting questions about church choirs and hymns. The Mayor says they shouldn’t happen yet, given the added risk of virus transmission from singing in addition to speaking. Face coverings must be worn at all times.
"The Risks - Know Them - Avoid Them"
by Professor Erin Bromage
When your church starts to plan for future reopening, consider carefully the information in this article, and the level of COVID-19 cases in your area. The article presents factual information and discusses the emerging science on COVID-19 in a colloquial way which is accessible to the general public. The examples can provide helpful background data.
Safety Standards for Places of Worship from the State of Massachusetts
On May 18th, Governor Baker allowed the limited reopening of houses of worship with mandatory requirements and recommended best practices and checklists. These fall under four categories – (1) Social distancing (2) Hygiene Protocols (3) Staffing and Operations (4) Cleaning and Disinfecting. The online documents should be read carefully, but they generally include standards such as operating at 40% or below capacity, wearing masks, childcare remaining closed, eliminating coffee hours & meals, cleaning and disinfecting between services, and if an attendee tests positive for COVID-19, following CDC guidelines for deep cleaning and disinfecting and also notifying the Local Board of Health for tracing and isolating those who have been in contact with the person. In addition to Massachusetts guidelines, see other suggested practices and details in the resources below. Keep in mind that people over the age of 65 and people who have underlying health conditions – who are at high risk for COVID-19 – should continue to stay home except for essential errands.
Many Greater Boston churches envision reopening their church quite far in the future. But for those hoping to reopen sooner, it is important to carefully consider the logistics involved as well as government guidelines.
While the decisions about reopening churches will vary due to the size of churches and with city and state regulations, church leaders need to understand and create plans for the many needed adaptations for when reopening is the wise choice. Churches need to consider the welfare of the larger community as well as their own members.
If churches follow wise cautions, opening for services will still not be an immediate return to the way things were before.
Steps of preparation and phased stages of reopening need to be taken.
Churches renting space or sharing space face an uncertain future, dependent on the policies and decisions of the building owners.
The larger questions also need to be considered:
What have we as a church community learned about “being the church” during the stay-at-home time?
How will that impact our vision, structure, and practice going forward?
Relaunching Church: How to Seize this Moment for Your Church’s Future.
What do we want to take into the future from the present crisis? Thoughts on: “Four strategic stages in navigating a cultural crisis: (1) Stabilize (2) Normalize (3) Mobilize and (4) Futurize.” By Jeff Christopherson
Resources and Examples of Guidance from Denominations on Reopening
The Massachusetts Council of Churches (scroll down the webpage)
“Covid Conversation: Re-Entry in the Black Church” webinar with church leaders recorded on Facebook
Resources and Guidelines for Reopening
A detailed set of suggested guidelines and practices to consider, from the Southern New England Ministry Network (of the Assemblies Of God)
Overview of the CDC suggestions for reopening of churches by The Gospel Coalition
Since these are national guidelines relating to many types of congregations, they are quite general. By Joe Carter
Reopening Church: Discussions and Webinars
We're not heading back to the way things used to be. We're opening a new chapter after what we've learned from this pandemic. From the Vanderbloemen organization
ADVICe on church meetings
Coronavirus and the Church: Best Advice, Articles, and News
Christianity Today Magazine
Guide to Christian Funerals During COVID-19
Mass Council of Churches
How to set up small group church meetings with Google Hangouts and Zoom. Remote Meetings, a brief guide from Park Street Church.
Describes the challenges and advantages of virtual meetings. 8 Tips to improve your online meetings.
How to Facilitate Effective Virtual Meetings
Beth Kanter, an experienced non-profit writer, provides detailed advice on virtual meetings.
What It Takes to Run a Great Virtual Meeting - Harvard Business Review
Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A step-by-step, research-informed and faith-based planning manual from Wheaton College
Plan de acción para iglesias latinas COVID-19
This four part action strategy from the National Latino Evangelical Coalition includes ideas for Care, Communication, Collaboration, and Resources for churches with practical suggestions for communication and ministry online.
Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza. En medio de cualquier crisis global, la Iglesia siempre ha sido parte de la solución. Únete y comparte este recurso con todos los que puedas para servir con amor y compasión a todos los que nos rodean. Los enlaces e información pueden ayudarnos ha compartir ideas y recursos para servir mejor a nuestras comunidades.
Warnings About “Zoombombing”
Zoombombing is where malicious intruders join your Zoom call and display unwanted information. Be cautious in sharing zoom meeting information and invitations publicly.
Advice from Tiffany Vail to avoid malicious intruders
Video tutorial from Kristen Ferguson of Gateway Seminary
TOOLS
Resources for Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19 from Tech Soup
This website includes:
Tools to Support Remote Work
Policy Resources
Virtual Workshop: Managing the Impact of COVID-19 on Nonprofits
Free Courses from TechSoup
Faith on Facebook Resource Hub
Many churches have a Facebook page and many churchgoers are familiar with Facebook. This online tool has potential to share information, broadcast services (using Facebook Live), develop groups, promote learning and raise support. On the Resource Hub page see the downloadable “Faith on Facebook Toolkit” and “Getting Started with Groups” for more detailed instructions.
Designed specifically for ministry, the Church Online Platform combines several church online controls into one free tool. With Chat, Live Prayer, and synced video streaming, Church Online Platform assists in doing church together.
Live-streaming & Promoting Church Services
During this time we here at WEZE 590am The Word and WROL 950am and 100.3 fm The Spirit of Boston, want to come alongside you to help spread the word that while the church doors may be temporarily closed, God’s Word is ALIVE and available online daily!
Our stations have created a NEW Church Service Live Streaming Page on wezeradio.com and wrolradio.com to share the link and broadcast times for your weekly church services. As a valued partner in ministry and as a community service, we want to include your church FREE OF CHARGE!
Participation is easy! Just visit WEZE or WROL to submit your live stream link and service details. Shortly after you submit your information, your church will be added to our online guide and throughout the week we will encourage listeners – on-air and online - to check out this page for their weekly worship options.
