Note: Churches and individuals should consult the most current advice from agencies like the CDC, their local health authorities, and primary care specialists when assessing their situation and symptoms. The following are theological-spiritual and practical reflections on COVID-19 for churches and Christians.
Maintaining Small Groups When Social Distancing (Seedbed Response)
“The question is coming up more and more often. ‘I want my small group to keep meeting, even in the midst of social distancing! How could that work?’ Of course, everyone’s context is a little bit different, but perhaps one of these solutions will connect with where you find yourself in these somewhat uncertain days.”
“We are a people of faith, not fear. The gospel is, among other things, the triumph over fear. The apostle John says in 1 John 4:18 that “Perfect love casts out fear.” That verse is often quoted without reference to the context where John states three times that we have been “perfected in love” (vv. 12, 17, and 18). It is precisely that sanctifying work of God’s love in us which enables, through his empowering presence, for all fear to be cast out.”
7 Lessons from Singapore’s Churches for When the Coronavirus Reaches Yours by Christianity Today
“We do not live as those without hope—that’s what the gospel is all about! But we have friends, neighbors, and family who do not know that hope. They may open up to share their fears and concerns during such crisis,” Chua told CT. “As the Old Testament prophet Daniel wrote [in Dan. 12:3], ‘Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.’”
Equipping and Resourcing Pastors in the Reality of COVID-19 by J. R. Briggs
“I’ve created this video and PDF (link below) with several resources, tools, practical tips, and links from various churches to help churches lead and serve well in these unprecedented times. In this video I help answer these three questions: 1) How do we respond pastorally? 2) How do we respond practically? 3) How do we respond prayerfully?”
10 Ideas for Church Financial Leaders Amid the COVID-19 Crisis by UMC Discipleship
“The following list of ideas is specifically directed to financial leaders across the church to help with sustaining the church and its ministry (and perhaps growing it in areas) as we live through these Coronavirus days.”
A Step-by-Step, Research-Informed and Faith-Based Planning Manual by Wheaton College
“The aim of this guide is to help churches in the United States plan and prepare for COVID-19. This church planning and preparedness guide draws on biblical wisdom and our team’s research. We will share insights and best practices from our collaborative work with local, state, and federal public health agencies.2 Our team’s experiences with helping churches around the globe for nearly a decade have also informed this guide.”
Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders by CDC
“This interim guidance is to help community- and faith-based organizations (CFBOs), whose members may include vulnerable populationspdf icon, plan for community transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages CFBOs to prepare for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their local communities.”
How to Creatively Continue Ministry Amid COVID-19 Restrictions by ERLC
How are churches responding to the COVID-19 epidemic? How is this crisis affecting services, groups, and ministry to the community, especially vulnerable populations? While we know that each church is unique and each community’s needs are different, we know we can learn from one another.
Fear Not, Sneer Not: A Healthy Christian Response to COVID-19 by ABC Religion & Ethics
“For those of us who do not have special training to participate on the medical front lines, we are called to responsibly play our part in society: in our jobs that help keep our economy going; in our families as parents, children or siblings; in the way we communicate, listen and respond to news; in the way we care for our neighbours, cities and communities.”
Love in the Time of Coronavirus by Andy Crouch
“When this plague has passed, what will our neighbors remember of us? Will they remember that the Christians took immediate, decisive action to protect the vulnerable, even at great personal and organizational cost? Will they remember that, being prepared and free from panic, the households of their Christian neighbors were able to visit the needy (while protecting them by keeping appropriate social distance!), provide for their needs, and bring hope?”