Yemisi Izuora
Non-denominational assembly, The Elevation Church (TEC), has challenged church leaders across the country to approach the resumption of physical gatherings with critical thought, strategic planning and a sense of responsibility for the safety and convenience of their members.
With the recent ease on the restriction of physical religious gatherings by the Federal Government, it is imperative that religious leaders assume the full responsibility of ensuring the safety of their members, the church said, stressing the need for the full alignment of efforts from both religious leaders and State Governments on the safety precautions needed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in these gatherings prior to their commencement.
As the onus to ensure safety and full compliance to preventive measure lies on the leadership of religious institutions including churches, leaders should understand the need to restrict large congregations and consider the following prior to opening for gatherings of any kind, Chinny Ugoji, Head, Communications of church said in a statement.
“First, the aim should be to provide and participate in ‘contactless services’ where incidences of physical contact with people and objects are reduced to the minimum if not completely eradicated. The Church must be careful not to confuse faith with foolishness, embrace certain hygiene protocols and encourage members of our congregations to do the same.
“Secondly, it is imperative to install sufficient safety equipment and processes that will facilitate these contactless services such as handwashing or sanitisation stations, temperature checking mechanisms and the restructuring or rearrangement of pews to adhere to social distancing protocols.” Ugoji advised.
The statement also stressed the importance of communication with congregants as leaders need to speak with and hear from church members as faith gatherings are a collective responsibility.
The church advised leaders to manage expectations, communicate changes clearly and engage in proper change management practices to ensure their church members are able to adapt to the new methods of worship and still be able to connect and participate fully and faithfully in the worship of our God.
On its part The Elevation Church has put together a survey for Christians to fill to indicate their readiness to go back to physical church gatherings.
In view of the potential restrictions of number of people who may be permitted by the government to congregate physically in churches, churches are encouraged to continue to invest in and drive online and digital service experiences.
“While the fight against Covid-19 remains in force, one of the surest ways to stop the spread remains restricting movement unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, providing a viable means of alternate worship should remain a priority for every church.” the statement added.
Lead Pastor of TEC, Godman Akinlabi, said “we encourage all Christian leaders to diligently consider all options, prayerfully define processes and dimension the potential costs and consequences of reopening before engaging. Remember, that the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. In the last few months, we have all proven that the Church is beyond a building; we who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the Church, and as long as we do not lose sight of this, we will keep forcefully advancing. The Church is indeed in her finest hour.”.
Church leaders who desire assistance navigating their congregations through this unfamiliar terrain should send an email to info@exponentialng.org, to join a vibrant network of pastors and church leaders with the skillsets and tools imperative for managing this change.