Category: preparedness

GenZ Ministry: When to Restart?

As churches slowly begin to reopen, the natural next thought is: When do we resume our GenZ ministries? … There is no specific guidance for church youth programs, therefore, church leaders are left to make their own decisions. We have provided a few tips as you make your plans in reopening and restarting various ministries of your church.

As churches slowly begin to reopen, the natural next thought is: When do we resume our GenZ ministries? Although we want to move forward as quickly as possible, it is best to remember the old adage, “Slow and steady wins the race.” There are some churches in “friendly states” who have begun very modified GenZ ministries. In these cases the churches have completely reorganized their schedules and facilities to accommodate an hour long Wednesday night children’s meeting (in the main auditorium) and a youth program (in a large youth room or fellowship hall). The adults not involved with the GenZ programs attend their Sunday morning groups during this time. Not every church has the facilities for this option, so proceed with caution.

Listed below are key guidance plans for reopening churches and restarting youth activities. Take time to read through each carefully. As your state issues guidance regarding education, children’s and youth activities, read them to gain an understanding of their interpretation of the CDC guidance. Your state’s guidance will be what you will want to follow.

As expected from government documents, the guidance is convoluted. There is no specific guidance for church youth programs, therefore, church leaders are left to make their own decisions. We have provided a few tips as you make your plans in reopening and restarting various ministries of your church.

Above Reproach

We are navigating through uncharted waters. What we do now will set a precedent for the future. At the same time, our actions during this time is establishing a testimony in our community for a future opportunity to reach out.

Ensure that your church is in complete compliance in every area of your Constitution and By Laws. Failure to be puts the church at grave risk in any potential litigation. (This is true for any time, not just in these times.) If your church is not in compliance with your own rules and guidelines, wait on restarting your ministries for a time. (For further guidance or any questions, please contact the Christian Law Association (CLA).)

Above and Beyond

We understand the urgency to get back to normal. Many churches are still simply trying to navigate reopening for Sunday morning in-person services. Go slow and be cautious in your decision to restart your youth programs. Know your area, the status of active cases, the community feeling on reopening, etc. Work with other churches in your community on reopening policies and guidelines.

As a testimony to your members as well as to the community, plan to go above and beyond in every area. If you are not able to minimally follow the guidelines your state suggests for reopening, you should wait to restart your GenZ ministries until you can.

Redeem the Time

Remember why you are restarting your GenZ ministry. Nearly every pastor and ministry leader we have spoken to through this crisis has had a moment (or two) of reflection on what worship and ministry truly is. Many are planning changes as things “get back to normal.”

Now is a good time to re-focus your GenZ ministry. With reduced time for weekly ministry, major on the majors in the time you do have. Scripture memory and Bible teaching should be the main part of your time back with the youth. Fun things may be included, but if the fun time is longer than the Bible teaching and scripture memory, something is out of focus.

Continue with or begin digital avenues of ministry with your youth to enhance Bible teaching, communication, and time together throughout the week. The Gen Z generation thrives on digital; find ways to incorporate it into your ministry.

Written Guidelines

Leaders need to write a detailed reopening plan for the GenZ ministry. Include policies and procedures, safety and cleaning protocols, etc. This will help communicate your plans to staff, volunteers, parents, and members. Present the plan to your local public health department; they will be able to assist in ensuring you have a safe plan. You will also have written documentation to show to any authorities who might question your actions. Remember, whatever protocols you write down, you must follow them.

Staff and Volunteers

Before you decide to restart the GenZ ministry you will need to assess whether or not you will have enough staff or volunteers. Although churches are not required to follow student/teacher ratios, we all know that there needs to be at least two per group. With the extensive cleaning and sanitation guidelines, you may need to add one or two others simply to keep up with those requirements. There are also social distancing measures to consider. If you plan to meet in smaller groups to accommodate these guidelines you may need additional help to maintain the two leader per group safety protocols.

Speak with your staff and volunteers to ensure they will be comfortable jumping back into the GenZ ministry. Some regular volunteers may be in the vulnerable category which may exempt them for an extended time from serving in this area.

Signage

One of the big requirements is that of signage. Reminders of social distancing, how to properly wear a face mask, and sanitation policies are strongly suggested. These links are from the CDC with all the printables you should need for information, reminders, and directions.

Social Distancing

The type of youth ministry you restart will largely depend on your facilities. In the Georgia guidance for day care and day camp the limitation is a maximum of 20 individuals per “single location” (classroom) with 6 feet social distancing as much as possible. For many churches this number of people in a single classroom will be difficult due to room square footage.

The classrooms in these photos are from a church with a small Christian school. Even in a room of this size having 20 individuals properly social distancing will prove difficult.

Note the tables in the photos. The kindergarten tables are roughly 6 feet in length. With the guidance from the CDC and the state of Georgia it would be impossible for these tables to be of much use in the classroom. Additional guidance for schools or day cares suggests students all face the same direction; therefore, children would not be able to sit across from one another. The regular school desks (background photo 1) would be a better option for a table surface for writing or coloring as they could be angled and spaced to aid in social distancing.

Sanitation/Safety

Presently, masks are recommended for everyone over the age of 2. Encourage staff and members to wear masks at all times if it is medically feasible for them to do so.

Remind those attending to monitor their temperatures. You may want to invest in touchless, infrared thermometers (especially in the youth areas) to help identify someone with a fever should they become ill while at church. No one with a temperature of 100.4 or exhibiting any symptoms of illness should attend services; family members should remain at home as well as a precaution. Set aside an area for quarantine in the facility should someone become ill while at services and are unable to leave right away.

Provide hand sanitizer throughout the premises. Keep restroom supplies well-stocked. Wipes should be available near high traffic touch points. Assign individuals to wipe down surfaces regularly. In the children’s areas ensure that shared objects are cleaned between each child’s use or set aside to be cleaned later.

Should someone attend services then later become diagnosed positive for Covid-19 have a plan in place for alerting those who attended. Be prepared to suspend in-person services for at least the 14 day quarantine period. Follow all guidelines for deep cleaning the facilities.

A big part of church fellowship is food. IF you should decide to have an activity or fellowship involving food, follow CDC and state guidelines for restaurants to ensure you are fellowshipping in a safe manner.

The testimony of your church in the community is paramount; be mindful of this in your planning. Use the time you will have together to be intentional in true ministry. Know who it is your are ministering to and determine if you are being effective; ministry that is not effective is simply busyness. As pastors and ministry leaders we are tasked with the spiritual well being, growth, and safety of the flock. In these unprecedented times we are also tasked with keeping the flock as physically safe as we can. Planning with thoughtfulness and in great detail will go far in protecting the church and your ministry now and in the future.



To Meet or Not to Meet? Forsaking the Assembling

Is the church a building or is it its people? Does the church have to assemble all its people at one place to be a church? Is a church a church because it assembles? Is assembly of the church the command of God? What does the Bible say about the church meeting together? The Bible does tell us and we need to search this out.

Is the church a building or is it its people? Does the church have to assemble all its people at one place to be a church? Is a church a church because it assembles? Is assembly of the church the command of God? What does the Bible say about the church meeting together? The Bible does tell us and we need to search this out.

Hebrews 10:19-25, 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

These verses are a parenthetical thought in a larger context. What we are looking at today is the thought. The church, while in the world of sin, is separate from it because of our being in Christ. The church has a great mission that is large and expansive. This passage deals with a vital part of the whole mission. The focal point tends to land on the “assembling of ourselves together”. The command seems to be that the church is not to forsake this assembling. Considering the current situation where the whole country and many parts of the world asks all to not assemble for any reason, how does this work for the church?

Covid-19 has caused changes to everyone and everything including the church. The word “change” is an ugly word in most churches. Let a pastor start making changes and he may find that he is leaving the church for “health reasons;” the church is sick of him making changes. But we are having to make changes and there is little to nothing anyone can do about it.

The part that most seem to focus on is not being able to assemble. The question is: Are we violating God’s command to us? There are several points to consider. One point is that God said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” There are many people over two thousand years of church history that understood this when they could not meet in large groups. Were they not of the church? Were they violating Scripture? I do not believe so. 

The word “forsaking” does not mean to miss a church service or not attending every time the doors are open. “Forsaking” means to leave behind, to desert it all together. Some may say if someone misses a service, they are one service closer to forsaking. This may well be true but they, at that point, have not forsaken the assembly.

The focus seems to be on the assembling in these Hebrews verses, however, the context is about why you are assembling and what you are to be doing. I believe this forced pause in “normal” is allowing us to focus once again on the purpose of this passage and its true importance. 

In verse twenty-four we see why we are to assemble. We are told to “consider” one another. The word consider means to observe fully. As a church we are to observe fully all others in the church. This goes along with other biblical principles of putting others first. One of the reasons why we are to assemble is so that we can observe each other’s needs. In the past too many people come to church to have needs met but failed at meeting the needs of others.

The verse then says that when we “consider” we take what we have learned to “provoke” one another. In the English language we note this word as a negative. In the Greek language it had both a negative and a positive side. In this passage we see that there is an aspect of both. The positive side of the word means to bring incitement while the negative side of the word means to dispute.

First it tells us to provoke to love. The word love is the Greek word agape which is a godly love. On the positive side we should be inciting in people to love as God loves. On the negative side we are to dispute against anything that would cause one to not have the love of God in them. When we assemble, we should focus on where all stand in our godly love. God loves unconditionally, He loves in spite of, His love never fails. Every time we assemble, we should be fully conscious of provoking love.

Then we see we are to provoke to “good works.” These words literally mean valuable actions. On the positive side, when we assemble, we should be inciting people to do actions that are valuable or eternal. If there is no eternal value in the action, we should, on the negative side, be disputing those actions.

We know that when we assemble together, we should focus on learning the needs of others, encouraging them to love as God loves, and inciting eternal actions.   Verse twenty-five then addresses the not “forsaking,” meaning if someone has left the assembling all together, they cannot be helped neither can they help others.

Verse twenty-five does go on to tell us one more thing we are to do when we assemble. We are to exhort one another. This word is the Greek word parakeleo, the same root word used for the Holy Spirit’s role in being our comforter. The word literally means “call near.” In the world of social distancing we are not talking about standing side by side. The idea is to bring someone along with you on the journey. Now we are learning about others’ needs, encouraging them to love as God loves, inciting works that are eternal and inviting others to walk with you on this journey.

This is why the church is to assemble and what we are to do when we assemble.  The spiritual goal is NOT ATTENDANCE. You are not a spiritual giant because you attend every time the doors are open. If you are not doing the things we just saw you are failing. Attendance to a place is a means to be able to do these things. Right now, we are unable to attend. Does this mean we cease from doing these things? The answer is an emphatic NO. The number we can assemble with may be down to the “two or three gathered together in my name” but the actions should not cease.

We live in a time where God has provided technology that allows us to do something previous generations could not. I can use the phone, social media, and video meetings to “consider” another or learn what their needs are. I can send a message of encouragement to love as God loves. I can talk to another to encourage them to do good works that are eternal. What a great opportunity to have technology and for many the time to send messages of the gospel to others.  People are scared and stir-crazy; we can give eternal hope. And, as a church, we can encourage others to walk with us through this. We continue to hear a phrase
“together, alone.” We may have to keep our distance, but the church is not a building, it is its people.

Were we as a church doing these things before when we were all together?

Or were we satisfied that we obeyed the command of God because we met together?

One more thought. In verse twenty-five we learn that we are to do this more as we see the coming of the Lord is nearer. The discussion has been that we are to meet more not less. This verse has been used to criticize churches who no longer have three to four services a week. The argument given is that we should be having more services. After studying this passage with regard to the thought given and then in the larger context, I see it differently. It is not that the church should assemble more, but that the church should be provoking love and works more, should be exhorting more. Yes, we should assemble but if assembly does not bring about more of the above, what is the point?

All of this will end. There will be a day in which the church will be able to assemble all together. What will be the change? Do not go back to the way it was. Change now. Because we can. Let us do what we should have been doing as a church so that when we come together again, we just keep doing it.

As you plan to re-open and assemble together once again just how to do that may be a bit overwhelming. Where do you start? We have developed a downloadable talking point document to help you walk through aspects of your church ministry – some that are obvious and others that are not. You can find those talking points here or on our download page.

Talking Points for Re-opening ChurchesDownload

CARES Act Q&A

UPDATED 4/2/2020 The CARES Act provides a great deal of help for churches during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have addressed some of the questions many have regarding what is available for churches and other religious 501c3 organizations.

Working with Connexus Group and their ministry and non-profit arm, we have available a webinar available that walks you through the process of applying for the Payroll Protection as well as answer any questions you may have. Connexus Group CARES Act Webinar

The forms and more information have been released. They are available at the Treasury Department website. You may also go to the Small Business Association website. They will be able to answer any other questions you may have regarding the Payroll Protection Program or any other small business loan or disaster relief loan for which you may qualify. Remember, this is a whole new animal to be dealt with – it is going to take time for everyone to have all the guidance they need in order to provide the help.

At the same time, contact your bank to set an appointment to go in and apply for the loan. There are limited funds; the sooner you get in line, the better off you will be. The CARES Act has provided for all FDIC banks to process loans for the Payroll Protection Program. This is a major change as normally there are only a handful of banks who process SBA loans. For this reason, we strongly recommend you contact the SBA first. As always, read the fine print. If you have any questions or concerns at all go back to the SBA for guidance.

Payroll Protection Program – Financial Help for Churches

Q: Can churches apply for financial help under the CARES Act?

A: Yes. Any 501c3 non-profit (religious or secular) may file for financial help as described in the CARES Act. Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorship scan apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. We encourage you to apply as quickly as you can because there is a funding cap.

Q: Are evangelists, mission boards, missionaries, Christian singing groups or other itinerant ministries eligible to apply for financial assistance under the CARES Act?

A: Yes, if they are organized as a 501c3 non-profit corporation. If you fall under this category, then you may file for financial help under the CARES Act.

Q: Does the financial aid come directly from the government to the churches?

A: No. The money is coming from lending institutions such as banks, credit unions, and lending brokers who are FDIC insured through loans under the Small Business Association’s guidelines and regulations.

Q: Is there a potential for government interference with our churches in the future if we receive financial assistance through the CARES Act?

A: No. Religious organizations do not forfeit first amendment rights of freedom of speech or freedom of religion under any circumstances. Religious organizations were added into the CARES Act when it was noted that leaving them out was a discriminatory act based on religion.

Q: What expenses does the CARES Act cover?

A: The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

Q: What are the qualifications to receive a CARES Act loan?

A: Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.

Q: What are the terms of the loan?

A: Funds are provided in the form of loans (grants when forgiven) that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.

For more information:  https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Q: What exactly is forgiven with the loan?

A: Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.

Q: How do I apply?

A: You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. All loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders as well as additional information and full terms can be found at http://www.sba.gov.

Q: What do I need for the forms?

A: The form is only 2 pages. You will be asked for your average monthly payroll. This total will be multiplied by 2.5. This will be the amount of your loan/grant. There will also be several other questions to answer, none of which require pulling together any other information.

Q: Are there other loans available to cover other expenses?

A: Yes. However, these loans are not forgivable, but they are very low interest which can be paid back over 10 years. Contact the Small Business Association (SBA) for more details.

Q: In addition to including 501c3’s, who else qualifies for assistance under the CARES Act who normally would not?

A: Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries. Pastors let your congregations know that the CARES Act may benefit them as well. They will need to contact the Small Business Association in order to acquire the proper forms and help.

The Charitable Giving Incentive (part of the CARES ACT)

Q: What is the giving incentive? (The information is found in Section 2204 of the CARES Act.)

A: On next year’s tax forms there will be an above the line charitable giving deduction for contributions of up to $300 for anyone who does not itemize. This means that anyone who gives up to $300 for the year will not have to itemize in order to receive a tax deduction.

Q: Is this only for the tax year 2020?

A: No. The giving incentive included in this bill amends the Tax Code of 1986. This will be a permanent change and amendment (at least until they change it again).

Q: Are there any other charitable giving changes? (This information is found in Section 2205 of the CARES Act.)

A: Yes. The CARES Act also lifts the existing cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, raising it from 60% of the adjusted gross income to 100% of the adjusted gross income. For corporations, the law raises the annual limit from 10% to 25%. Food donations from corporations would be available to 25%, up from the current 15% cap. (We have consulted with several people regarding these new charitable giving guidelines. The prevailing though at this time is that this particular portion of the charitable giving changes will only be for the tax year 2020. Speak to your tax accountant for more information.)

*Please Note: This is not a comprehensive reflection of the entire CARES Act and there may be additional requirements or guidelines not listed above. This is not legal or tax advice and organizations are advised to review this material with internal and/or external counsel.

Church Preparedness for Potential Pandemic

It does not matter how small or how large a church is, plans should be thoughtfully made for potential disasters. Thinking through how your church might be affected – from at risk members to outside ministries and outreaches – will help in implementing plans quickly should the need arise.

Whether a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, earthquake or pandemic, each church has a responsibility to prepare for the unexpected for its area. It does not matter how small or how large a church is, plans should be thoughtfully made for each of these and other potential situations. While we are not overly concerned with the present information regarding the virus, it would be prudent to prepare in the event that local, state or federal agencies enact social distancing or quarantine measures for a particular area. Thinking through how your church might be affected – from at risk members to outside ministries and outreaches – will help in implementing plans quickly should the need arise.

Guidance is being provided to employers on how to prepare for potential disruption during this current coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. In an effort to help churches prudently prepare should the present situation escalate into more outbreaks locally, regionally or nationally, we are including links to the most up to date and factual information we can find.

Remember, the current thinking by the coronavirus task force is that those with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, and the elderly are the most at risk. The present focus is to protect those populations. If you have a nursing home ministry, contact the facility and follow their guidance on ministering at the facility. Those who have hospital ministries also need to contact administrative officials to seek guidance on the protocols healthcare facilities may implement.

For your congregants, encourage families to be vigilant with hand washing protocols, provide hand sanitizer and tissues throughout the buildings, and consider changing greeting habits between church members for the duration of the potential risk. Encourage anyone who is sick to stay home, including those who may hold ministry responsibilities. Be vigilant in following cleaning protocols on property, especially in public areas, food and beverage areas, and restrooms. It may become necessary to temporarily suspend services if local authorities advise no social gatherings. Determine if there is a way your church may still be able to conduct an online service via a Facebook live video, YouTube channel or other social media mediums. Make those plans now in order to work out any technical issues and to provide the information to your members.

What You Need To Know About COVID-19 factsheet

What To Do If You Are Sick With COVID-19 factsheet

Symptoms of Covid-19

John Hopkins Coronavirus Tracking Map

How to Conduct a Risk Assessment for Exposure

Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette

Hand washing information including posters, stickers, fact sheets, and videos

Printable Posters for Staying Home When Sick and Slow the Spread of Germs Place these posters in nursery and children’s area, entryways, kitchens, and office areas.

OSHA Overview regarding COVID-19

Protecting Workers During a Pandemic FactSheet (OSHA) Although specifically for employers, much of this factsheet may be applied in a church or school setting.

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC Travel Health Notices

We will continue to add information as it becomes available during this round of concern.

Feel free to share in the comments ways your church plans for emergency situations and continuing ministry.