Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

We received a number of calls today regarding how churches might respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As of Thursday afternoon we are not aware of any church in the area that has chosen to cancel services on Sunday. In conversation with local church leaders, denominational partners and after gathering information from public health agencies we have compiled a list of practices that churches should consider observing for the immediate future.


1. Encourage good health practices - Encourage people to wash hands thoroughly, use hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching their face, etc. Anyone who is sick and those with compromised immunity due to a medical condition should stay home. Anyone over the age of 60 that has an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes has a higher risk of infection and should consider staying home.


2. Avoid as much physical contact as possible - Instead of shaking hands, give a friendly smile and a wave instead. Consider suspending the traditional “stand and greet one another” time during the service. Some churches have people hold hands for the closing prayer or closing chorus. Consider suspending that practice as well. Help maintain a friendly atmosphere while avoiding unnecessary physical contact.


3. Limit the number of touches on common items - Instead of passing the offering plates, station someone with a plate at each exit so that members can drop contributions into them as they leave, or point out how people can give online. If you use a check-in system, station a person at each kiosk to check people in so that only one person is touching the keyboard. Have greeters stand at each door to open it for others so that attendees do not have to touch the door handles.


4. Travel - What should someone do who has been traveling? Anyone who has returned from an international trip within the last 14 days should stay home. Anyone who has traveled domestically to an area where infection has been high within the last 14 days should also consider staying at home.


5. Mission Trips - The International Mission Board has urged mission trip volunteers to cancel trips abroad through at least April 30. We encourage following that advice. Teams that are planning domestic trips should consult with their own medical professionals as well as public health officials in the area that they plan to visit.


6. Love your neighbor - Instances such as this provide opportunities for disciples of Jesus to demonstrate his grace and compassion. Look in on your elderly neighbors. They might be hesitant to do essential shopping or run errands that you can do for them. Believers can also demonstrate the peace of Christ, exhibiting faith in Jesus over panic while also taking appropriate measures to insure safety for themselves and others. This might open the door for spiritual conversations.


7. Pray - Pray for those whose lives have been directly affected by the spread of COVID-19, for health care workers battling this infection on the front lines, for leaders and public health officials who are working to establish policies to respond, and for God’s love and peace to be seen and known in the midst of this outbreak.


Should city or state officials decide that large gatherings should be canceled, we encourage you to follow their requests. Until then, congregational leaders should make the best decision they can based upon their own context and the needs of their church members.


In the event that the infection continues to spread and services are canceled over the span of several weeks, it is possible that some of our smaller churches could experience problems with paying bills and meeting payroll. Please contact the Association office so that we can bring the cooperative strength of our association of churches together to assist you.


We will send out further updates as necessary. Please contact our office for any assistance that we can provide. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and may his protection rest upon you.


John Thielepape

Director of Missions