“Five for Your Friday” is a recurring roundup of articles, videos, resources and more from around the web. Content included here is based on suggestions, input and feedback from Baptist State Convention of North Carolina staff, and it is intended to equip, encourage and challenge you and your church to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) as you seek to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

Please note that information and content included here does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Although our state government is reviewing the best way to lift restrictions, churches have much to consider in the meantime. What should churches do before reopening? Will our congregations be the same when we reopen? How do pastors prevent burnout? What ways can believers be productive while ordered to stay at home?

What your church must know before reopening your building
With states considering how to lift restrictions, church leaders are challenged with the difficulties of how they will approach reopening their churches. Facts & Trends’ Aaron Earls gives insights for what church leaders must know before opening their doors.

12 ways we might all be different when we gather again as congregations
As we continue to look forward to the day we are able to gather in person for worship, we should recognize that we may return to a different congregation. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Chuck Lawless shares 12 ways that we might be different when we gather again.

How to effectively deploy other church leaders for ministry during COVID-19
Stay-at-home orders heighten the potential for pastors to experience burnout and neglect their role of praying and preaching. Craig Webb, writing for Facts & Trends, suggests that pastors who have not already done so should consider sharing their load with deacons and elders in these six ways. 

The extraordinary new ordinary
Many will want to forget these difficult times and get back to what was normal, but we do not yet know what “normal” will look like once restrictions are lifted. Katie McCoy of Lifeway Voices shares what this new ordinary should include.

Productivity in a pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all, especially in the way we use our time. Staying productive in this time is not only beneficial to getting things done, but is a biblical principle that should be done faithfully. Daniel Patterson from The Gospel Coalition gives five guiding principles to help us better steward this time.