“We’re all in this
together”
How churches are uniquely positioned to pave a new way of
worship throughout a global pandemic — and beyond
By Kathryn McCormack
The current status of the
world is uncertainty and
fear — but churches are in
a unique position as people
look to faith and hope to get
them through this trying
time. Moreover, churches are
paving new ways of worship
that will continue long after
this pandemic is over.
Many have taken
advantage of technology to
expand their footprint by:
• Livestreaming services on
Facebook and Instagram Live
to appeal to younger audiences
• Uploading full services
to social channels and
YouTube so people can
watch as they wish
• Creating virtual Bible studies, prayer circles and hotlines to
promote inclusion
• Partnering with other congregations to bring a larger audience a
different message
• Offering drive-in services and worship with social interaction
• Using apps for giving
As we plan to reopen churches for gatherings and worship, continuing
to take advantage of social platforms will be essential to engaging with
the community and maintaining constant communication.
Just as we had to pivot as a society when we first shut down,
communities must again pivot as we progress. Ultimately, we’re looking
to return to a blend of ministry offered in both physical spaces and via
the internet.
How can we best prepare for that day?
The most obvious step toward preparation is to consider our state and
local government guidelines. To help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the
CDC recommends wearing a mask, washing hands with soap and water
for 20 seconds, maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, and using hand
sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.
These guidelines, combined with what we’ve learned from hosting
online services, have generated several creative safety measures that
your church can take prior to physically re-opening:
#1: ENGAGE SOCIALLY
• Engage in a social conversation with your community and listen to
what they say.
Any technology that can be touchless,
should be touchless, including doors,
trashcans, towel dispensers, sinks, and
hand-sanitizing stations.
• Poll your community to gauge how they feel about coming back, the
safety measures being put in place, and expanding services to include
more days and times.
#2: CREATE SAFE SPACES
• Create safe, sanitary spaces for all worshipers — especially for those
with underlying conditions.
• Begin with small group meetings in big, open spaces (to facilitate
social distancing) with plenty of air flow from outside. Masks are
highly recommended.
• Consider splitting services by age group or need.
• Create a volunteer group of “pen pals” (people without underlying
conditions) to correspond with congregants who aren’t ready to
physically return to church.
• Have volunteers monitor the restrooms. They can ensure that only a
specific number of people enter at a time; block off every other stall
to maintain social distancing; wipe down handles with each use; and
ensure proper cleanliness with hand soap and sanitizer.
#3: MOBILIZE TECHNOLOGY
• Consider adding touchless automatic entryways to all main doors,
restrooms and common areas. Any technology that can be touchless,
should be touchless, including doors, trashcans, towel dispensers, sinks,
and hand-sanitizing stations.
• Much of the hands-free technology available today easily retrofits and
is a relatively inexpensive way to show your congregation — from the
moment they walk through your doors again — how much their health
and safety matters.
• Ask congregants to bring their own Bibles, or you can create an online
resources section for each service so worshipers can easily pull up the
hymns or blessings and follow along.
• QR codes are great, inexpensive ways of sharing information using
available technology.
#4: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
• Get creative and think about marketing — have masks and pocket-size
hand sanitizers made bearing your church’s logo. Hand them out.
In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, church leaders have overcome
challenges using technology and a deepened awareness for the collective
good. They’re finding creative ways to continue to inspire and drive a
sense of togetherness, even from afar.
As a result, our communities are growing deeper in their faith
and connection with each other. This, in turn, helps foster a safer
environment for mutual accountability as we restart in-person
worship services.
Drive-in churches, Zoom choirs, outdoor gatherings and virtual
blessings might fall to the wayside as we open up again, but one thing
that’s not going away is the desire to engage with others through faithbased
worship, however that looks.
We’re in this together, and we’ll make it through together.
Kathryn McCormack is VP, Strategy at Power Access Corporation in Dallas
[www.power-access.com], manufacturer of automatic door openers for more
than 30 years.
28 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JULY / AUG 2020