The church is a place where one can go for council and prayer. A person may give as much detail about their situation as they feel comfortable. But along with sharing information, comes an expectation of trust, privacy, and confidentiality amongst the person(s) sharing and receiving information.

Sometimes, people need prayer for concerns unknown to loved ones. An issue can be as serious as a violent event, death, or separation. But disclosing private information usually occurs after a person gains spiritual, physical or mental strength. Breaking the bonds of confidentiality and sharing information without permission or over the pulpit diminishes trust in leadership.

Privacy begins with the smallest of details such as addresses, income, and health issues. Information gathered by the church should never be considered public knowledge. Remember the job of the church is to win souls to Christ not gossiping and breaking trust.

You would think everyone is ethical.  Unfortunately, that is not the case. Unethical people are found in every walk of life, no matter age, race, gender, or religion. And to complicate matters, we all determine if a person is ethical based on our own expectations and life experiences.   The variables we use and associate with our internal standards are wide and vast, but there is one sentiment that is most likely consistent. We place higher ethical standards an businesses and professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and pastors.

The level of ethics you possess is displayed in what you say and do. People expect and need to know how ethical you are before they engage in services, recreation and relationship with your organization.. Your company or ministry should have a document that supports the expectation of ethical behavior or professional conduct. Does your church have a code of ethics? Have you read it, or does it need to be updated? Now is a wonderful time to review your church policies on ethics. If you do not know where to begin, Sarat’s consultants are available to support. Connect with us today.

Meeting the needs of the community manifest in various ways: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Whether you are a non-profit, not for profit or church, and you meet the needs of your community -you are a ministry. COVID-19 has shown each of us how to continue or begin to provide ministry in the absence of gathering. Now is the time to evaluate what you can do to make your ministry better. Let’s talk.

Leaders,

This is your new normal. One thing Covid-19 has or will expose is your level of ministry to the people inside and out. Now is the time to step up your game! Be the voice in the wilderness or around the corner. Have you completed a Public Health and Safety Plan? Do you have a Disaster Recovery Plan? If you believe in Mark 13:8 these are the beginnings of sorrows.  God is and has given you warnings to prepare you naturally and spiritually. There is work to be done, so let us get ready.

Ten Tips for Re-opening Your Church

1. Restrooms

Restrooms should be cleaned on a set schedule.  Every 15 to 30 minutes (once the building reopens). This would offer an expectation of sanitation and disinfecting for the public. The church should have a complete sanitizing and disinfecting before it reopens regardless of how frequently or infrequently it has been used since it is closing.

2. Money Collection

Provide the finance team with gloves and mask for their protection. Cash and checks should be anticipated at the same frequency as before. Many people may not have changed their giving methods since Covid-19 started. Disinfect baskets and plates after each use. Keep card or POS (point of sale) giving touch free. Have members swipe their cards and wipe the keypad after each use.  Continue to deposit funds as usual. People may be hesitant to give if they see checks are not deposited timely or there is the possibility of cross contamination.  The offering staff should wear gloves when collecting monies.

4. Policies

 Review your policies to issue suspension or modifications on specific policies. Terminology such as "policies are suspended" offers the interruption that all policies are no longer enforces when only a few may apply. Update any policies that will be permanently changed.

5. Temperatures

  All volunteers in the act of service (ushers, alter workers, finance team, pulpit staff, praise team, audio/visual, greeters, musicians, etc.) should be required to have their temperatures checked, wear gloves, and mask. Temperatures should be checked by clinical professionals (nurses) if you have any – nurse aid, health care professional groups, etc.  Establish what will be defined as a temperature (ex. minimum of 100.4 degrees) to indicate a fever. Health professional can deliver the message of "a fever" easier than a layperson.  A “non-contact" thermometer is recommended. They are a little more expensive but reduce the risk of cross contamination. If you decide to use contact thermometers, have alcohol wipes available after every use.

  Taking member and visitor temperatures and requiring mask/gloves is left to the discretion of the church. However, hand sanitizer should be available in restrooms, foyers, vestibules and at the altar.

  Alter call may take on a new form. All those requesting prayer to raise their hand and pray for them where they are or corporately.

6. Volunteer Release Forms

All volunteers should be required to sign a release form. The form should indicate they understand:

·         Services are voluntary

·         They agree to temperature check and prohibited from working or attending if a fever is found

·         Wear gloves and mask when in direct contact with members/visitors

·         Practice social distancing as much as possible

Disclose if they have knowledge of exposure to someone with the virus; traveled to an infected area; diagnosis with virus

Training may be required in some of these instances. A prepared script may also be helpful.

7. Social Distancing

Create a physical plan for social distancing in your sanctuary. The church floor plan should be reviewed, and a designate proper distancing protocol established for the ushers to follow. The distance would be 6' ft from family to family or individuals. Add directional markers to allow traffic flow to maintain distancing and prevent clustering. Dismissal may even be row by row.

8. General

Place all doors (where possible) in the open position. This will reduce surface contact for members/visitors. Turn off all water fountains.  Offer 6 oz water bottles if necessary. Create a disinfection schedule for the janitorial staff to ensure proper cleaning for re-integrating facilities use.  

9. High Risk

Remind all members and visitors who may not feel well to stay at home. Especially the high-risk population.

10. Communication

Social re-opening expectations and precautionary measure at least 2 weeks prior to re-opening. Email, text, and social media are great ways to accommodate all forms of communication. This will allow you work out all your details and give people the opportunity to ask additional questions.