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Church-Specific Considerations in This Time
For everyone in Louisiana, the governor this week issued public health emergency proclamation banning
gatherings of 50 people or more, urging those in the high risk categories not to be around more than 10 people.
Within New Orleans, the mayor has issued a similar proclamation banning all non-emergency gatherings beyond the size of a single family.
Clearly, these proclamations call pastors and churches to be creative in serving the spiritual needs of our congregations. We would urge you to heed these governmental proclamations. Even when you can't gather as a body, you can remain faithful to the Lord and to the ministry to which he has called you. Here are several ways to continue your ministry at this time:
- Take care of yourselves so that you might continue to be of use to others and not leave your church with a leadership gap in the midst of a difficult time. Avoid unnecessary high-risk situations and heed expert advice to stay safe.
- Consider circulating a Bible reading plan, prayer guide, or devotional, online or in print; ask low-risk church members and staff to deliver groceries and necessities to members and neighbors in high-risk categories who should stay isolated.
- Reach out to first responders, medical personnel, and their families during this time.
- Utilize online media for discipleship: consider preaching via livestream or podcast on your website. Use Facebook Live, Vimeo, or Youtube to broadcast your service, and let your members know clearly when and how to join.
- Create an option for online giving through services like Realm, PayPal, Venmo, or the Cash App. Lifeway is also offering their Generosity service at reduced rates during this time. Encourage those who do not go online to give via mail.
- Implement a small-group discipleship strategy meeting with just a few people at a time, and provide a distance option using Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, or similar services. If you don't know how to get started on these platforms, reach out to your association staff. We're glad to help.
- Check in often on those who are 60 or older, immunocompromised, or with breathing issues in your congregations, offering calm and connection. Make sure they understand their increased risk, and help communicate best practices for safety.
As people self-quarantine and practice social distancing, their circles of contacts are getting smaller. Even when we are alone, Christ is with us. But how can the Church be present within these smaller circles during these days of increased isolation? Our pastors and church leaders are asking these questions and practicing good ideas. In the days ahead, NOBA will provide forums for conversation to facilitate the exchange of ideas and good practices.
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