If you decide to use a choir, band, or orchestra, don’t use the full group if there is not enough space at the front of the sanctuary to allow for six feet between members.
Assign specific microphones to those who will need one and have speakers and singers use the same one each time.
Dismiss the congregation from the service in a way that avoids having people walking in close contact with one another as they exit the sanctuary.
Special Considerations With Children’s Ministry
The guidelines from Georgia state “If you closed nurseries, childcare, Sunday School classes, or related functions, strongly consider keeping them closed for the foreseeable future.” The Georgia Baptist Mission Board document offers this rule of thumb for reopening children’s areas: “If you wear a mask, it’s too soon to have your preschool and children areas open. Masks may scare the children.”
If and when churches do decide to open their children’s ministry, Georgia Baptist Mission Board has the following recommendations:
Consider not opening preschool and children on the first Sunday back. Some churches are choosing to reopen the preschool and children areas when schools are open.
Pre-register children to limit how many are in any room at a time. Some churches are starting with a five child limit in each room at first.
Limit leaders in the preschool and children’s areas to those who do not have pre-existing conditions. Also limit leaders to those under 65 years old.
Have extra volunteers to help in the preschool ministry where some children may suffer from separation anxiety after only being with parents for a long time.
Have only one person handle child check in stations and do not pass the check-in device.
Do not let parents past the “double doors” and instead drop them off at the welcome desk.
Have a check list of what’s been cleaned and when in each room.
Develop a list of procedures for your volunteers. Train them on this list through Zoom prior to the first meeting.
