Stay Outside

Continue or consider drive-in worship gatherings (where permitted by local authorities).


Stay Virtual

Stay virtual on Sunday with smaller in-person prayer gatherings during the week using an online sign up to limit the number.


Multiple Services

Organize multiple worship services by Sunday School classes/small groups or age. (Use online registration and cap the number).

Simultaneous Services

Simultaneous services in two areas of your buildings may work if attendance is restricted per gathering rather than per facility.


Small Group Meetings

Have small groups meet in homes to tune into worship together. (Offer training for group leaders to handle follow up, invitations, discussion, etc.)


Those Not Joining

Keep a virtual service option going for those who cannot or are not ready to rejoin.


Instructional Video

Film a walk-through video to prepare guests for flow of traffic when they return.

Social Distancing

Arrange seating to maintain social distancing. Either remove chairs from the usual setup or block off pews. While families can sit closer together, there should be appropriate spacing on either side of each family unit.


Offering

Have offering boxes in various entrances to receive offerings instead of passing the offering plates. Encourage online giving, as well.

Lord’s Supper

Consider using prepackaged communion sets. The individual sets can be picked up from tables as people enter the service and used at the appropriate time in the service.


Baptism

It may be best at this time to limit baptisms to one person per filling of the baptismal pool in the sanctuary. Consider the use of a chlorinated swimming pool for larger services.


Older Members

Older members and those with vulnerable health conditions may be fearful of returning at once, and it may be advised for them not to. Continue offering online worship and discipleship for this population of your church.


Cleaning Between Multiple Services

For those who have multiple services, have a plan in place to sterilize as much as possible between services. Actions such as wiping down pews and placing hand sanitizer generously around the church and encouraging its use.

Choirs

With social distancing in effect, traditional plans are probably not feasible. Consider holding a rehearsal in a large room that allows people to sit with appropriate distances to begin getting the groups back together. 


Bulletins

Do not distribute bulletins unless they are distributed electronically.


Masks

If wearing masks is suggested by health officials, consider providing masks for those who don’t have them.


Volunteers

Many volunteers may step down for a period of time. Roles may need to change. There will be a need for a sanitation team to keep things clean. The greeting ministry will look different while maintaining social distancing.


Health Monitoring

Consider temperature checks for all staff and volunteers. 


Coffee Stations

Eliminate coffee stations until we receive an “all-clear.”


Meet-and-Greet Time

These times may need to be eliminated altogether or have people just wave from a distance.


Hymnals and Pew Bibles

It may be best to eliminate the use of these items until after the threat is over.


Toys

Eliminate toy boxes and an overabundance of toys. Bring out only the amount of toys that volunteers are willing to clean at the end of the session. 


Train Leaders

Train leaders on sanitation guidelines for handwashing, diaper changing and cleaning toys. Clearly state expectations for sanitizing during the session.


Take Temperatures

Purchase no touch thermometers, and perform temperature checks on children and leaders before being allowed in preschool or children’s classrooms.


Restrict Numbers

Restrict numbers and ages of those who can be part of the preschool or children’s ministry, or open without preschool or children’s classes.


Check-in Station

Have volunteers staff the check-in station to limit physical contact with the check-in station.


Drop-off and Pick-up

Consider options for dropping off and picking up children: Allow only one parent to drop off and pick up children, or have designated drop-off and pick-up locations at the entry to children’s areas with only the teacher escorting the child to class.


Restrict Personal Items

Restrict diaper bags and other personal items from being brought into classrooms. Consider allowing only those items needed for the day to be placed in individual containers or baskets in the room. (Make sure bags, diapers, wipes, bottles, etc., are clearly marked.)

For more resources on preparing your children’s ministry for post-COVID-19, click here.

Seating Guidelines

Provide seating guidelines to maintain social distancing in classrooms.


Provide Training

Provide training for leaders to understand guidelines, as well as pastoral care responsibilities for the group.


Care

Keep the emphasis on caring in between meetings.


Stay Virtual

Consider virtual small groups for a season to limit traffic throughout the facility.


Those Not Joining

Consider virtual groups for those not yet comfortable or not able to return.


Sanitize Between Meetings

If rooms are shared by multiple hours, sanitize between hours.