The Middle Baptist Association recognizes the autonomy of each member church and we are aware that each of our sister churches are evaluating the best way to navigate a path back to reopening for public worship. Here are some ideas and resources I have found helpful in thinking through some of these questions.
After watching the Zoom webinar with GA Baptist Mission Board leaders about what the Governor's Presser on April 21st means for churches,
My takeaway is that no one is going to be able to tell you, "Resume normal activities on ______date." Each church needs to take a VERY THOUGHTFUL, CONSERVATIVE approach to launching services again. As of that Press Conference:
- Online services are still preferred.
- Drive-in services must follow social distancing requirements.
- It is "grossly unwise" to think about meeting now in certain areas.
When the decision is made to re-open it is incumbent on each church to understand and apply protective adjustments.
Here is some reading that I have found helpful, including a short video I recorded to help Newington Baptist Church, where I am still serving as Transitional Interim Pastor.
We are hosting a weekly Zoom conference for MBA pastors (Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.) to keep everyone praying for each other and connected for mutual learning. We are inviting our Regional GBMB Missionaries into these meetings as well. I hope this is helpful to you. Please phone us if we can help.
