We want to #returnstronger as a church. We understand that the mission was never to gather but to reach people who are far from God. The gathering is simply a method to achieve that end and not the end in itself. This is why we need to consider these three principles when assessing when to gather again for a Sunday service.
1. Safety
We need our people and the community to feel safe about us re-opening. We need to consult our congregation and leaders to assess when they feel it is safe to do so. If we find ourselves at odds with half the congregation feeling unsafe, maybe we should delay for a little bit. We also need to consider the broader community and make sure that our actions don’t create a ground swell of community descent. Our message is one of “loving our neighbor” and there’s no better way to love our neighbors than to protect them. Make safety the first priority and don’t consider a Sunday service until your congregation and leaders feel it is safe to do so; for their sake and for your neighborhoods’ sake.
2. Quality
There are a lot of restrictions that will put limits on the quality of service that you can create. No congregational singing. No nursery or kids ministry. Smaller and spread out gatherings. Greater volunteer requirements to sanitize. This should cause you to ask, “can we present a great quality service and experience within these parameters?” Sure, it may be novel for a few weeks, but is it really worth it? If you’re online experience creates a better opportunity for engagement from your congregation and the community at this time, perhaps you should think about continuing that.
3. Ministry
There is a very real need for the church to be the church. Ministry needs have never been greater as people are hurting, emotionally week and in need of impactful ministry. Our need to effectively minister should drive what we do as we consider returning stronger. This may mean that the best answer for “in person” gatherings might not be to hold a traditional service but rather a prayer gathering or freedom sessions or a teaching series that provides emotional support and strength. Don’t let the paradigm of a Sunday morning gathering guide what could be effective ministry in this time for your congregation. Pivot your methods to meet the needs rather than ignore the needs to perpetuate a method.
Remember that you can create a “phased” re-entry strategy so you don’t have to go back all at once. You can also adjust week to week as restrictions and guidelines change. As you develop a strategy for returning to physical gatherings, let these three principles guide you so you can return stronger.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.