It is finally 2021 and we have high hopes even in the midst of a new reality, because God is doing something new through his church. Make sure your church is ready to meet in person safely.
We want to equip your church to have a successful 2021 and that begins before they even step foot into your building. Reassure everyone—from your longtime members to your first time and returning guests, that you are taking the proper health and safety precautions.
Here are 3 things you can do to help make sure your church is meeting safely in 2021:
1. Stay Committed to Your Safety Procedures!
The Center for Disease Control recommends many procedures and precautions but “this guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA)” (CDC). Your church has the freedom to choose how you meet, but it is important to do what you can to make people feel comfortable.
Host Multiple Services: One recommended procedure to minimize the spread of COVID is to limit the size of your services and observe a 6-foot social distance to prevent the risk of contacting particles. Having multiple services is a great way to follow the guidelines, while also making sure that your church is reaching as many people as they can in-person. As far as group limits and social distancing guidelines, every state and local government is different so make sure to check and see what the guidelines are in your area.
Enhancing cleaning procedures is a must to keep your church healthy! “Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily and shared objects in between uses” (CDC). Effective COVID safety measures involve cleaning more thoroughly and more frequently than
in the past. You will want to clean and sanitize your church before and after each service—and the same applies for any other events or activities in your building. A fast and easy
way to do this is with our Purerox™ Sprayers! These sprayers are super easy to use and one of the most effective options on the market. Purerox™ uses a
proprietary version of Hypochlorous acid, the same thing that the body naturally produces to kill viruses so it is both safe and effective.
Download the “Clean & Safe Users Guide” with a master checklist for disinfecting and protocols!
And most importantly, stay the course! It’s easy to let standards slip or to get lax as numbers come down and people get vaccinated – but the risks are still out there and you don’t want your church to be responsible for an outbreak or rising numbers in your community.
2. Be a Good Provider
I know you have been hearing it for months, but masks and sanitizer are not going away anytime soon! Masks are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to promote safety. Make those in your church feel safe by making them available to visitors, staff and anyone who forgets to bring theirs from home. The CDC recommends that all staff and members wear masks while in the building, but especially when social distancing is difficult.
Offering boxes of masks can also be a great evangelism plan – buy extras and share them with smaller ministries, retirement homes, schools and homeless shelters. It’s just another way to share God’s love.
Don’t forget sanitizer and sanitizer stations! They ensure that members have peace of mind while worshipping. These dispensers are being used by most businesses now and people are starting to expect to find them in high traffic areas especially near bathrooms and exit doors. Touchless Dispensers stands and Wall Mount units are popular options and can be placed literally anywhere! Take a look around your building and make sure you have placed sanitizer stations in key areas.
Then don’t forget to make sure one dispenser is filled with sanitizer regularly. With 75% Ethyl Alcohol Liquid Sanitizer, Premium Aloe Gel, or an Aloe Blend, you can choose the option that is right for your stand or dispenser.
Seeing these stations is great to make people feel safe before they set foot in your church and throughout their time there.
3. Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
Communication is key to keeping your church healthy and meeting safely!
First, communicating with the members of your church is important, whether that is about service times, the safety 
precautions being taken, or offering a little encouragement in a difficult time. Regular calls, texts and emails will keep your members engaged and help them know you care about them.
But you also need to be sharing about the safety steps you are taking. A great way to do this is with church signage. The CDC even recommends posting signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19 and promote everyday protective measures, such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and properly wearing a mask (CDC).
Flag Banners, Street Signs and Yard Signs are great signage options for both the inside and outside depending on the layout of your parking lot and building. Signs like “We are open”, “Together again”, and “Back again” are great to let people know that you are meeting in person.
Signs like “Please wear a mask”, “Keep one space open between cars” and Entrance and Exit signs let guests know you take physical distancing seriously.
With signage, there are many options, so it’s easy for you find the one that is perfect for your church.
A great and personable way to welcome people is to have greeters stationed throughout your lobby and common areas with HandHeld Signs featuring messages of encouragement and reminders of social distancing guidelines.
Floor Stickers and Stanchions are another way to communicate guidelines and direct people around your building safely.
Each form of signage is an easy way to continue your welcome and make people feel safe.
And don’t forget to share your protocols online through your church website and social media pages. Did you know that 90% of people look at a churches website or social media before coming? You might already have COVID information on your website and social media if you do great, but if not it is important to update your page and put all pertinent information and guidelines regarding covid online. Download our “Clean & Safe Users Guide” with tips on how to share information about COVID online and to get some free social images to share on Facebook and Instagram.
We are excited for 2021 and all that the Lord is going to do even though it might look different than in the past. We hope that your church can continue to meet safely and that all these resources will help you to do that and continue to reach people with the Gospel.
All CDC Information From: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/faith-based.html
