Feeling cared for and staying connected during the pandemic
Health officials predict it will be several more months before social-distancing restrictions can be lifted and life can return to normal. In the meantime, people everywhere, including church members, struggle with pandemic fatigue. Faithful shepherds of God’s people must remain vigilant during the remaining months of this protracted pandemic.
In a recent meeting of Greater Boston pastors, we asked the question: What are you doing to help your people feel cared for and stay well-connected during the pandemic? Here are some helpful insights from these church leaders.
Senior adults need special attention.
Many senior adult members, isolated at home, need help connecting to online services. Jay Ridenour, pastor of FBC Sudbury, commented that some senior adults are not as tech-savvy as younger members. FBC Sudbury recently purchased a Chromebook for one family to help them stay connected.
Churches without a robust small group ministry are vulnerable to losing people.
Ed Conway, pastor of Calvary Chapel, Chelmsford, reported that approximately 20% of their people have “disappeared” and their children’s ministry has been reduced by 75%. Very significantly however, the number of people who attended small groups pre-COVID is the same number who continue to attend church during COVID. Small groups are key!
Consider hybrid small groups.
Rick Harrington, pastor of FBC Haverhill, reported that, for the time being, all of their small groups meet at the church building only and not in homes. Some members attend in person, while others connect online. This enables people to gather in person while still maintaining social distancing protocols.
Mobilize your people to serve.
Shawn Keener, pastor of Brookville Bible Church, has found that involving members in ministry has been the key to keeping them connected. He commented that “doing community ministry has held our church together.” During the pandemic, church members have connected with one another while distributing groceries to needy families and hosting neighborhood cookouts.
Improve your online platform.
Neal Davidson, pastor of Hope Chapel in Sterling, said they’ve invested significantly to purchase better equipment because “the digital opportunity will not go away after the pandemic.” However, churches “need to learn how to evangelize and congregationalize people online.” Neal acknowledged that “every change is exhausting,” but remarkably, “our people gave more generously in 2020 than ever before!”
What would you add to the conversation? Share your thoughts with me at staylor@bcne.net.
Sam Taylor serves as the Boston area regional coordinator at the Baptist Convention of New England.