This space will be used for sharing ideas that our region pastors are using during the COVID-19 lock down to keep in touch with parishioners, the community and each other. If you have an idea to share, please email MAE.

  • American Baptist Churches, USA – Conversation Guide to Reopening Your Church Building As local, state and governmental leaders begin to announce plans for reopening the country, it seems wise for pastors and church leaders to begin holding conversations and making preparations for reopening our places of worship.
  •  If you haven’t already heard, the state is supplying PPE to nonprofits, including hand sanitizer and masks. All you have to do is fill out this form: https://backontrack.in.gov/ppemarketplace.htm 
  • As you begin thinking of coming back together with you congregation you may wonder should you SING when you regather? Many are talking about how singing has greater opportunity for spreading germs than talking. Here are links to two articles to help you think through this decision. Article 1 is HERE. Article 2 is HERE.
  • Ideas for congregational care–small group text messages, pen pal programs, and sending cards. Great opportunities for intergenerational ministry.
  • One of our pastors is sending out scripture and some questions, then calling members a few days later to talk about it. Great opportunity for one on one discipleship!
  • Use your Facebook page to share stories! A local Indianapolis church has been posting photos of “What our members are up to.” Members send in photos of what they are doing to keep busy and then the church posts them so everyone can see and the community can stay connected. If your church does not have a Facebook page, now is a good time to start one!
  • “How to Make Pastoral Visits at a Social Distance” -this includes a call script to help you.

April 2020 – REMC Recommended Best Practices for Pastors During the COVID-19 Crisis:

The following are recommendations for American Baptist Pastors during this time of the COVID-19 crisis and restrictions. Traditional pastoral ministry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and government Stay at Home directives. It has changed the way we worship, fellowship and provide pastoral care. In general, there are to be no groups of ten or more people.

  1. Worship services should not be held in person. Services should be held by Facebook, streaming, and video conference.
  2. Memorial services should be restricted to immediate family members of ten or less people. Larger services should be planned for after social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
  3. Wedding services should be restricted to immediate family members of ten or less people. Larger celebrations and/or receptions should be planned for after social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
  4. Pastoral calls to those in the hospital, nursing homes, and shut-ins should be postponed until after social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
  5. People in hospitals, nursing homes, and shut-ins are considered at high risk of being infected with the virus.
  6. Pastoral care must take on other expressions: greeting cards, phone calls, email, texting, Face Timing, and other creative ways to be present.
  7. The ministry of prayer has been become even more important.
  8. RESOURCES