State Pastor

May 19, 2020

I want to express my appreciation to all of you pastors and church leaders for your innovation providing ministry in these unprecedented times.  Several of you who have not used technology before in conducting worship, as in Facebook live streaming, have discovered how effective technology can be.  Has FaceBook live become the new tool much like radio broadcasting has been?  And do you think the “drive in worship” may bring back drive in movies?  The best innovation that I have heard during this time was a church who was required to have a business meeting during this time.  The leadership team sent out the agenda, held a drive-in meeting, then had its members vote yes by honking their car horns, and vote no by flashing their lights.  I guess whatever works?

There are a lot of questions coming my way regarding the reopening of in person worship.  I have attached the document that lists Gov. Beshear’s guidelines.   You are encouraged to follow these to your best ability.  Some of you may have to hold multiple worship opportunities to accommodate your congregation’s social distancing in your facility.  Note that the word “should” is used often.  Please do not take this as a way of ignoring these guidelines.  It is important that the Body of Christ set an example of being a good Christian citizen.  You know your place of worship and congregants better than anyone, so be wise in how you engage in worship with people in the house.

Below are a few items that I have highlighted as ways to help you comply with our Governor’s guidelines.

1. Post signage asking that anyone who has been ill or not feeling well over the last 24 hours to not enter.
2. Continue to use drive-in and streaming in addition to your in-person worship experience.
3. Place the offering plates at the rear of the church rather than passing them.
4. Be aware of time and perhaps have shorter time of worship. This may not be the time to hold long services just because you have been away.
5. We are a people who pray at altars and with one another at the altar. Please use wisdom and not be in each other’s personal space while they go to pray.  Altar workers should use face coverings.
6. Remember that sanitation is always the best preventative for keeping the spread of any disease under control. While Covid 19 is highly contagious it is not a super germ and can be killed with good sanitation.
7. Mark off pews and remove chairs to help accommodate the social distant requirement. (note that the 33% applies to size of sanctuary not congregation size)
8. Do not staff a nursery or children’s ministry until June 15.
9. Ask yourself if you can provide a safe in-person worship experience.
10. Be wise, be careful and do not let fear be your guide.

Again, I express my sincere appreciation for your leadership to the church.  You have stood tall and found ways to encourage your people.  May God grant you wisdom and peace as you ply the new waters of social distancing during the in-person worship experience.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim