'We are going to survive': 5 ways the Church is innovating amid COVID-19

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Friday, January 01, 2021

Churches adapt to COVID-19 guidelines

Houses of worship were not exempt from government-ordered COVID-19 restrictions, with face masks and social distancing required in the pews, limits on the number of worshipers, and in some states, bans on singing.

Determined to meet despite challenges, many churches developed creative ways to worship safely amid the pandemic.

Nine months after COVID hit, Restoration Southside, a young church plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, continues to observe both state and local public health regulations.

Senior Pastor Jared Huffman told CP that every Sunday, the sanctuary undergoes a thorough cleaning before and after the service; congregants are required to wear face masks; temperatures are taken upon entry, and social distancing is maintained. The church also provides online and drive-in options.

“We want to be known as a church that is for things and not against things,” he said. “Essentially, if it helps anyone's safety or their conscience, we want to provide an opportunity for those who feel very affected by the virus, somewhat affected by the virus, and then not at all affected by the virus.”

Huffman noted that Romans 13 calls for respect and submission to governing authorities, adding: “Instead of being a church who makes a name for itself by how it stands out and disobeys, we want to be a church known for trying to make room for everyone of different consciousness and vulnerabilities to have a safe experience in worship.”

Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, was one of the first churches to reopen after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s stay-at-home order expired. Senior Pastor Ed Young told CP that in order to reopen, the church followed all CDC guidelines — and it “wasn’t easy.”

“We followed all of the guidelines, all of the protocols, and that's something that we have to do. I think that’s wise due to the severity of the pandemic,” he said, stressing the importance of “using common sense” when it comes to reopening.

“We had to really work in some unique things to make our church COVID-19 ready,” Young said. “But it’s worth it. I just don't want us to lose our boldness and I don't want the church to mail it in. Throughout church history, the church has not mailed it in. We've stood in pandemics, we've stood during wars, and in all sorts of chaos and mayhem.”