As North Carolina officials consider a phased-in approach to reopening, N.C. Baptist churches are anxious to gather in person for worship. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) staff has created a reopening resource list that includes insights from local pastors and other state conventions.
The resource has helpful suggestions and ideas about how to reopen safely and effectively. The goal of these suggestions is to spark the imagination and creativity of pastors and church leaders to reopen with safety and effectiveness in mind. Topics covered include:
- Preparing the facility for safety, social distancing and the service.
- Worship service options and ideas.
- Practical considerations for your worship services.
- Suggestions for your preschool and childrenās ministry space.
- Tips for Sunday School and small groups.
Pastors and church leaders should note that these items are suggestions and should not replace guidelines from local government officials and health care professionals. Every local church is autonomous and must therefore make their own decisions on how to move forward in order to be the church, honor earthly authorities and love their neighbors.
Remember that while gathering together is a gift to believers and a witness to unbelievers, our desire to return to the building should never replace our Great Commission responsibility to āgo and tell.ā We pray that soon, you will be able to say to your church, āSee you on Sunday!ā
A helpful guide for when churches can gather again.
Email [email protected] or call (800) 395-5102, ext. 5651 for more information.
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I have an idea for reopening Church Services. It could be done the same way people can go watch a movie at a drive-in theater. Families go in their cars to the church parking lot, or other chosen location, where the pastor is set up in front at a podium. There is a large screen TV screen so everybody can see the pastor delivering his sermons. People in their card have their radios tuned to the correct station to listen to the sermon. Assistants can move from car to car with pamphlets, the offerings basket or whatever, and everybody can go to church without leaving their cars.