By Diana Chandler
Baptist Press
AUSTIN, Texas — Church worship and ministry are considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas under the latest protocols issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, but several pastors said Abbott’s directive likely won’t change their church safety protocols.
First Baptist Church of Vidor pastor Terry Wright said he switched to online-only services March 15 after a few church families were concerned that they might have been exposed to COVID-19 at an off-campus event not sponsored by the church. He consulted the Texas Department of State Health Services in response, and according to Wright, the person in question tested negative.
“I think (Abbott) is trying to let the church be the church and facilitate worship through whatever means we can, but also minister to people,” Wright said. “You know there’s a lot of other ministry out there … people who’ve been laid off, who don’t have money and that kind of thing. I know the governor’s responded to that, but from what I can hear and find out, he’s just trying to let us do our ministry and be the church, what we should be to people in the time of need.” [Read more…]