Resources for congregations discerning how and when to reopen listed on this page are not recommendations or directives.  We fully expect that every congregation will prayerfully weigh the health benefits and liabilities of opening up church campuses for large group activities.  Disciples are both faithful and rational and therefore will also consider information from reliable medical professionals before making decisions about how and when to resume meeting, ministry and mission on the church campus. 

Regional Ministers Rev. Bill Rose-Heim and Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kennebrew are available for online and phone conversations with leaders upon request, however, regional staff members will not be making in-person visits to church campuses for the time being.  We are concerned about becoming unknowing carriers of this novel corona-virus and putting at risk the very people we are pledged to serve.  Your safety comes first!


We will date and add to information and resources received thus far (below) since new information is being made available daily. 
​5.29.2020 
​ 5.28.2020 
  • Disciples Church Extension Fund has help for care of the church building when not in use for extended periods of time.  They also have helpful information on their COVID 19 Resources page that is updated frequently.
           https://www.disciplescef.org/blog/prepare-church-building-extended-period-inactivity/
           https://www.disciplescef.org/covid-19-resources/

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5.27.2020 ​           
  • 5 Transformative Questions to Ask Before You Reopen Your Church - Click Here
         


5.17.2020
  • Did you know that MissionInsite can be a very helpful tool in your congregation’s recovery plan?
          Best of all, your Region has paid for it – no charge to you.  Contact us for more information and an orientation              to use the tool.
  • 1  person who tested positive the next day for Covid 19 exposed 180 people in the church he attended on Mothers Day.  

5.15.2020
  • Suggested language from the general counsel for the Office of the General Minister and President for a letter that could go to congregational leaders.  This includes links to helpful resources.
  • Be sure that your congregation consults with your insurance carrier.  Coverage may vary regarding claims from individuals against churches that do not follow usual, customary and reasonable guidance.  Consulting with an attorney is also a good idea.
  • Here is a video from Christian Theological Seminary on considering how and when congregations open (Thanks to Rev. Dr. Kennebrew for sharing this.)
  • An article by Mary day Miller about what pastors can expect regarding reopening is helpful.  (Thanks to Rev. Chase Peeples for posting this).
  • Have a plan.  Make sure that all members understand their role in protecting each other and all who come onto the church campus.  Publicize the plan. Follow the plan and revise as needed.
  • See the Update page for information about the reach of a sneeze without a mask
  • See the CDC website for updates about what they are learning about the virus.  Apparently it affects more organs than was first thought and infections with serious side effects are not limited to the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.


5.10.2020
  • Message from Interim Regional Minister in Kentucky regarding a temporary restraining order against enforcing the Governor's executive order banning mass meetings.

5.8.2020
  • Choirs - Rev. Dr. Kennebrew found these guidelines for choirs from a webinar featuring some of the leaders in choral music.

5.6.2020
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