COVID-19 Resources for Churches

The Church is (and has always been) one of the greatest assets in times of need and crisis. But, what happens when the Church (people) cannot meet in the church (building)? Below are several resources for churches, pastors, and Christians who are looking for help being the Church in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic.

• Getting Started or Changing Strategy during COVID-19 - What are the best ways to prepare your church for COVID-19? What all should you be thinking about?

  • The Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College created a manual titled: Preparing your Church for Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is available in Spanish, English, and French.

• Online Summits and Resource Compilations

  • COVID-19 Church Online Summit ( Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and the National Association of Evangelicals) - This is an excellent summit with thoughtful topics and expert thinkers across a broad range of considerations for the Church during COVID-19. This is available online for free through Easter (4/12/20).

  • John Maxwell Virtual Leadership Summit - John Maxwell is an author, pastor, and speaker who is a renowned expert on leadership. This summit is available through Youtube.

    • Leading Through Crisis; A Virtual Leadership Summit (Day 1)

    • Leading Through Crisis; A Virtual Leadership Summit (Day 2)

    • Leading Through Crisis; A Virtual Leadership Summit (Day 3)

  • PastorResources.com - This site provides a comprehensive list of resources for pastors.

• Denominational Websites - Your denomination’s website may have excellent resources. The following are a few denominations who are making several great resources available during this time, many of which can be used or amended for use with your congregation.

  • Assemblies of God

  • Christian Reformed Church

  • Evangelical Covenant Church

• Self-Care and Soul-Care - It is important to be able to attend to the spiritual and psychological needs of yourself and your congregants during COVID-19. Below are a few resources to help you do this.

  • The One Minute Pause App - “A simple way to connect with God in the middle of your busy day.“ Developed by John Eldredge, this app encourages you to pause and listen to God’s Word.

  • Spiritual First Aid - Download “Beyond Disaster”, a guide to spiritual first aid for free. This guide provides strategies to help people cope in the short term, guidance on what to expect in the process of recovery, and resources to begin a journey toward emotional and spiritual healing.

  • Spiritual First Aid: Brief (BLESS method)- The Humanitarian and Disaster Institute provides a brief outline of the BLESS method of providing spiritual first aid

  • Pastoral Self Care - This article by the Assemblies of God provides helpful tips for pastors, who are likely overwhelmed, grieving, and (at times) frightened by the pandemic as well.

• Moving to Digital - Many churches have used some form of digital content, but it is a whole other ball-game when trying to move the majority of your church’s activities to digital platforms.

  • Digital Strategy Guide (River Valley Church) - This guide provides information guidance related to social media, care and connections, and more.

• Financial Stewardship - During this time, one of the many points of uncertainty is the financial viability of the church. Below are a few resources to help you to understand some of the financial implications, solutions, and stewardship of the church’s financial resources.

  • Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability - This site provides several resources regarding how the stimulus bill and the CARES Act may affect your church.

  • The CARES ACT: What it means for Churches and Church Staff - This document, created by the Assemblies of God, provides up-to-date information on what the CARES Act means for you.

• Discipleship Material - How do we disciple without meeting in-person?

  • Free Bible Study Material - Ligonier Ministries is offering over 100 bible study guides for FREE.

  • Men’s Ministries App - “A discipled man is missional; and missional man is discipled. Every man needs to learn how to be a priest in his home, his church, and his community. Men's Ministries represent hundreds of district, networks, and small groups across the U.S. who are dedicated to reaching and discipling men for Christ. We offer numerous resources and ministry tools for men everywhere to grow closer to Jesus, connect with each other, and learn to utilize courage, strength and endurance in their daily lives.”

• Children’s Material

  • Adventures in Odyssey - “Focus on the Family would like to give you 4 free weeks of the Adventures in Odyssey Club with no strings attached. You don't even have to provide your credit card number. Just sign in, create a profile, and engage. You'll get five family logins so no one will be left out. Please note: For new members only. If you have previously had an account or registered before, you will need to use a new email and username to get this free trial.”

  • Structured Activities for Kids at Home - This resource, created by the Assemblies of God, includes an activity sheet with great ideas for simple activities that can be done at home and a COVID-19 reading log.

  • More recommendations for Parents - Please visit our previous blog for additional resources for parents.

• Other

  • Immigrants - We recommend you join the Evangelical Immigration Table. It is a great resource!

If you have other resources or comments on the recommended resources, please feel free to share in the comments section!

*Photo credit: Wendy van Zyl from Pexels