COVID-19

A note from

Mark Elliott, DoM

In response to the rapid changes we have seen restricting assembly from 250 then to 50 and now to 10, a group of pastors connected on-line to discuss what they have already done, and then to talk through what they will have to do in the days ahead. Here were some of the major take-homes:

Remember our ecclesiology (how we as Baptists view the church) has not been impacted. We are still the body of Christ, infilled with the Holy Spirit, with the command to grow in Christ-likeness, the command to love God, the command to love our fellow man, and the command to make disciples. In this season it will look a bit different, but the purposes are still there.
Be very pastoral in all that you do.
Be available to your people.
Consider doing a daily e-mail, text, on-line video, call, etc. to increase your touch in this time of unprecedented change.
Be sensitive to the needs of various groups within the church and community:
- Seniors—they are more impacted and isolated, so figure out ways to help them with shopping, meal prep, and relational connects other than a personal visit
- Youth—their social world has been turned upside down. Create unique and creative ways for them to connect in small groups—done right these can still be in a church building—think high impact small groups
- Children—think through ways to help single parents with child care, and all parents with tutoring assistance.
- Marginal families and individuals—food drives, rent or utilities assistance, etc.
As you do online worship think differently than you would in a normal context:
- Keep your messages short and engaging—your audience now has multiple distractions around them
- Use familiar music—think "comfort food” for the soul.
- Send in advance, or make available on-line listening guides, and think in terms of providing a family chapel resource that is kid friendly. You might even need to do a piece for couples, and a piece for families. There are tons of free resources online.

IN HIM,
ME
Mark Elliott, DoM

Virtual Gathering Resources

There are so many tools and resources we can use as the church to continue to gather together. Below are links to resources and guides to help you connect with your congregation during this time.

Sunday Worship Gatherings

Facebook Live allows people to visit your church’s Facebook Page and watch a live stream video. Viewers can chat with others while watching, and provide feedback through the usual Facebook "like"system. Once your live stream is complete, the video and the audience interactions is archived on your Facebook Page.

Facebook Live

Small Group Gatherings

Zoom is a free and simplified video conferencing and messaging platform. From 1:1 meetings, Staff calls, or small-group Bible studies; Zoom allows members to meet together while still practicing safe "social distancing."

ZOOM