Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — As June approaches, some Tennessee Baptist churches have started back while others are looking to return in late May and in June.
As churches reopen, other larger gatherings are also being held. Gov. Bill Lee’s latest executive order issued on May 15 offered guidelines to facilitate the safe reopening of larger, non-contact attractions on or after May 22. [Read more…]
Baptist and Reflector
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. — File photo from Facebook video screen capture
NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released guidelines May 1 for churches as they consider gathering together for worship.
“Tennessee’s faith leaders have been incredibly innovative in finding alternative ways to worship that incorporate social distancing so they can continue to provide spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service to their neighbors during these challenging times,” Lee said in a written statement.
“Religious liberty is important and must be protected, and that’s why the State has always deemed religious services as essential gatherings throughout this pandemic. As we look to reopen our economy in a safe fashion, the decision on in-person gatherings will be up to each individual faith community. [Read more…]
Editor’s note: This story was updated May 1.
By Lonnie Wilkey and Chris Turner
Baptist and Reflector
FRANKLIN — The question most often asked by church leaders today is simple: When can we gather again as a congregation? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer.
A good criterion was suggested recently by Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee. His answer to the question is: “As soon as we can as safely as we can.” [Read more…]
By Scott C. Shepherd
Tennessee Baptist Mission Board music and worship specialist
Many churches in Tennessee will be opening their doors in the coming weeks.
In the coming weeks and months, churches across Tennessee will make the decision to gather again for worship. These services — though COVID-19 restrictions have been reduced — will not be a return to “worship as usual.”
Here are 15 worship-related helps for churches to consider as they prepare to regather.
Maintain social distancing in worship. Restrictions have been lessened, but social distancing must continue.
• Arrange the congregation so families are at least six feet apart from other families. Block off certain pews or remove chairs, and utilize staff, ushers and deacons to direct traffic, but these guides should also maintain social distancing.
• Model social distancing on the platform. If you can’t have your full worship team on the platform and still preserve social distancing, reduce the size of your team for this season or alternate smaller teams each week.
• Ministers are exceptionally good at “working the room,” and they ought to be! You want to greet our attendees, shake their hands, and give them hugs. Now, however, the most loving thing you can do is not touch your members. Greet, smile, and wave, but keep your distance. Practice what you preach. [Read more…]
