Based on the increase in COVID-19 cases, the results of our attendee surveys, and the experiences of churches who’ve reopened across the country already, we’ve made the decision to suspend in-person Sunday worship services for the remainder of the year.
Why have we decided to suspend in-person large group gatherings for the rest of the year?
Earlier this year, we suspended in-person services with the expectation that the downward trend in cases would allow us to resume large group gatherings by the end of summer. That trend has reversed and we cannot guarantee the safety of those coming through our doors.
Even if we did reopen, we would not be able to create a quality adult or kids worship experience with the proper social distancing protocols in place.
If we resume large group gatherings and a volunteer, child, or student, or adult who attends any of our environments tests positive after the fact, we are responsible for doing all the contact tracing. It’d be the right and responsible thing to do, but an impossible feat.
In addition, we’re seeing most churches across the country resume services at only a fraction of their regular attendance. The attendee survey we sent out a few weeks ago suggested that our experience would probably be the same.
We also think this is a stewardship issue. Many of those who responded to a survey a month ago said they weren’t quite ready to come back to in-person large group gatherings yet. Rather than split our focus and resources, we’d rather maximize our ability to be effective at fulfilling our mission – inspiring people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
When will we resume in-person large gatherings?
We don’t have a date set for resuming in-person, Sunday large group gatherings – we will continue to look toward our state and local government leaders and recommendations from epidemiologists and the CDC.
In the meantime, we’re looking at different opportunities during the fall for alternative opportunities that allow us to connect and worship in person with everyone’s safety being prioritized.
What will our church look like for the rest of 2020?
We are focusing all of our attention on creating the best possible online environments for community and spiritual growth to occur.
This looks similar to what you’ve experienced since the beginning of our move to online-only, but we’ll continue to refine our approach and consider additional online opportunities for connection, spiritual growth, and encouragement.
We also want to double down on our support for our community to serve the folks who are most vulnerable in this season. Sign up or learn more here.
People attending a meeting or event at the church are required to sign in (for potential contact tracing purposes) and wear masks.
How can I get involved online?
Men’s, Women’s, and Home Communities continue to be formed as individuals and families reach out. We encourage everyone who calls this their church home to participate in one of these forms of community. Fill out the form on our Online Groups page, and a member of our team will reach out to help you find the right community for you.
How Can I Help?
Because of our decision to not hold in-person large gatherings for the rest of the calendar year, we’re in need of people who are willing to host online Home Communities. If you would like to learn more about becoming a host, please let us know by reaching out to Brandon Reynolds.
Each of our campuses are also working quickly to identify needs in the communities we serve. If you are aware of a need, please let us know.
We will be sending out regular updates to help you get involved in loving our neighbors. Contact us at [email protected] to be placed on our email list.
We encourage you to get creative in how you experience the Sunday message during this season! Reach out to those you know who may not have online access to church right now or those who may be wanting a more engaged experience. When it is safe or appropriate, coordinate a socially distanced meet up to share in a Sunday service together. We are the church and the experience can be in our driveways, backyards, or even parking lots. (Mt. 18:20)
Will this change any in-person events currently on the calendar?
Any special gatherings currently scheduled will continue to honor state and local guidelines. We will adjust the format and schedule of these events as needed to ensure the safety of those participating.
What about Kids and Students?
We are committed to creating the best possible online environments for our kids, and will continue to supply parents with what they need to create their own church-at-home experience.
We’re also developing other resources beyond Sunday morning needs to encourage your kids and promote opportunities for deepening family connection in this season.
Some in-person, socially distanced, opportunities for Students may be available in this next season.
Can I meet with my Home Community in person?
Current regulations allow small groups of up to 10 people to meet at or in homes , as long as 6’ of physical distancing is maintained. Currently, groups meeting at the church cannot exceed 50 people, with 35 square feet of space available per person and 6’ of distance between each family.
We encourage you to continue finding safe, socially distanced ways to connect with your community if you’re not in an at-risk group.
Are we bending to the government? Don’t we have a right to worship?
We understand there’s a variety of different opinions and thoughts on this subject in our church. For some, this makes perfect sense, and they may even feel relieved. For others, this seems like an unnecessary precaution, potentially a lack of faith on our leadership team’s part, and you may even view this decision through a political filter.
Our decision isn’t driven by politics of any kind. Even with looser state restrictions, we simply cannot guarantee the safety of everyone who would be attending.
We also think this is a stewardship issue. Many of those who responded to a survey a month ago said they weren’t quite ready to come back to in-person large group gatherings yet. Rather than split our focus and resources, we’d rather maximize our ability to be effective at fulfilling our mission – inspiring people to know, love, and follow Jesus.
We deeply value being able to gather in person, but also acknowledge that the church is a people, not a place. This means the Lord can move just as powerfully in online environments. We also have no plans on scaling back our service to our communities in this season. While the methods of how we gather and serve may be different right now, the ability for the Lord to use each of us mightily is as steady as ever.