Our Intentional Engagement During a Season of Uncertainty Pt. I

There are so many people writing and giving advice about the Woos and Winds of Change because of the Coronavirus. As we transform our thinking to keep our congregations intentional in attending worship and Bible Study, we will never return to church or business as usual. Our actions and thinking has changed as a result of this invisible enemy, COVID-19. Additionally, wonderful opportunities are opening daily that allow us to reach the masses without risking the well-being and safety of our parishioners. However, there is a way to plunge forward while delivering the Word of God. We can walk out the great commission: The Great Commission – Matthew 28:16-10 (NIV) 16  Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  17  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  18  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) Holly Tate of Vanderbloemen Search Firm has some tips for: · Communicate a message of hope and foster a positive online community · Deliver encouraging messages to help online attendees put faith over fear · Find ways to support your community as well as your parishioners · Find ways to practically enhance your online worship services · Implement an “online foyer” so people can fellowship before services begin · Incorporate games and contests online that are designed to foster community · Implement various communication strategies to bridge the gap between and across generations · Maintain awareness among online attendees by Communicating frequently to maintains connections with Willow Street Church of God. This can be done during services, before or after sermons, social media, websites, newsletters, etc. · Stay in touch with your leadership team. Collaborate your leaders regarding plans, ideas and strategies so that important information is well communicated, and plans thought out and understood · Encourage the appropriate volunteers to engage online and interact with viewers who may be new or unfamiliar with this church. Dedicate individuals to answer questions and pray with online viewers. This practice should continue with online and on-campus services. Explore using Zoom, FaceTime or Skype, etc. to setup breakout rooms to facilitate small group sessions and gathering to ensure new and existing parishioners feel involved · Develop education and training processes and documentation for online systems and programs that will be used in the future to aide in online worship services and other events · Design online platforms that provide opportunities for online the online community to engage and serve with the church through the next steps processes and attending or leading small groups It is critical for Leadership teams to include all the appropriate individuals in planning our path forward. We have to provide the right tools to accurately implement the changes for the future. It is our responsibility to extend grace throughout the transition to reopen the church campus this season to those who are grieving this change. We are the Church of God and We are Strong because God is on our side. -PL