Are you looking to start a church?
If so, you might have a lot of questions. Because of COVID-19, churches have faced many challenges. Even established churches have had to suspend many operations and learn to conduct their services online.
In addition, the economic downturn has left many churchgoers with fewer funds to dedicate to tithing.
Yet, if you feel God calling you to start a church now, you might feel like you shouldn’t wait.
So, are you wondering how to start a church during a pandemic?
Check out our brief but informative guide below!
How to Start a Church? Decide on Your Format
When thinking about how to start a church from scratch, consider whether you’d like to hold your service in-person with social distancing practices or online.
During a pandemic, deciding how to hold your church service is more important than ever. For centuries, churches have prided themselves on building community, and Jesus even commanded Christians to be in fellowship with one another. Many Christians have been eager to get back to in-person church.
Yet, Christians also have a duty, both as Christ-followers and good public citizens, to care for the well-being of other people. The Biblical command to “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” means protecting everyone’s health. Since some may not feel safe going in-person, you might struggle to get people through your doors.
So how do you decide which format to use?
First, check your local guidelines. See if your region has any restrictions on the number of people who can gather together, or if officials or health experts have put forward suggestions for safely carrying out a church service.
Next, consider the needs of your community. How quickly is COVID-19 spreading? Do people want an in-person community, or will online meetings suffice?
Understand How the Virus Spreads
Safety should always be your number 1 priority. Because of this, you need to understand how the virus spreads prior to starting your church.
Health experts believe COVID-19 mostly spreads through the air when people come within 6 feet of one another. It also passes more easily in buildings, where ventilation is poor, especially if people are talking or singing. There is also a slight chance it could pass via people touching the same surfaces, although scientists believe this type of spread is less common.
Given these factors, it is safer to hold your church services virtually. If you believe in-person church services will better serve your community, though, make sure you keep how the virus spreads in mind.
Consider Your Finances
If you’re just starting out, chances are you don’t have unlimited funds to pour into a church.
While this shouldn’t stop you from starting one, you need to allocate your money well. Right now, millions of Americans are out of work, reducing your chances of having a robust budget.
Conducting online services don’t cost as much as in-person ones. While you may need to make purchases such as a camera, these items will cost you less than a consistent payment on a room or building. Wherever possible, try to reduce your costs and find ways to grow your budget.
Ordination
Do you have to be ordained to start a church?
That depends on your denomination. While there are no legal requirements for becoming a minister in the United States, many denominations require their clergy to go through some type of training process.
Need help managing your new church? Visit https://www.iconcmo.com/.
Need More Advice?
When looking at how to start a church, there are many things to consider.
First, during a pandemic, you must consider everyone’s safety and preferences. Then, you have to consider your finances and whether or not your denomination requires ordination.
Starting any type of new organization during these times can be tough. If you need additional advice, check out the business section of our website!
