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Questions to Ask before Reopening Your Church
Even though our state, and especially our region may have some days and weeks yet ahead of us with stay-at-home restrictions, now is the time to begin planning through reopening your church building and restarting in-person services again. This
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by Ken Braddy can act as a helpful resource as you evaluate the issues involved in doing so. Feel free to call if you'd like to discuss or think through reopening with us. You're able to respond to this email to request a call, or just call us directly. Some major considerations:
- Stay up-to-date with advice from governmental and health officials on legal sizes of gatherings, and respect the governing authorities. In Orleans especially, plan for the possibility of an extended stay-at-home.
- Ask specific questions about how your people are dealing with new stressors, and have ready ways to seek help for substance abuse and mental health.
- Consider ways you might continue any new online presence.
- Think through new strategies for Vacation Bible School.
- Get rid of, or plan to sanitize, things everyone touches: offering plates, coffee carafes, pew/chair backs. Consider having one person by doors to let people in and out.
- Check in on volunteers and lay leaders to gauge willingness to reopen even after restrictions lift, and plan for some to opt out at first.
- Find ways to involve and disciple children and seniors outside of Sunday services. Prepare your church culture to allow for more families who wish to keep their children with them in service.
- Plan for the possibility of a reduced budget.
Peace and wisdom to you.
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