COVID-19 Assistance for Your Gospel Ministry

Dear friends, 

Telecommuting and social distancing is something that everyone is hearing about as our state and country works to deal with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Needs for Gospel ministry are just as pressing as ever! Pastors and churches are making amazing adjustments and maintaining much needed ministry to communities. We are seeking to assist churches with ideas and resources in a number of areas related to missing in-person worship services and church meetings.  

First of all, I want to share an encouraging word for pastors from a fellow pastor. Secondly, we want to provide some assistance on one of the requests we have been receiving this week. 

An Encouraging Word… from Pastor Grant Etheridge (former SBCV President) 

"The early church gave themselves continually to caring, sharing, and praying. Don't think of self, but of seniors, shut-ins, and the vulnerable. Who's your one? When people are hearing the hysteria of the news, we need to be sharing the hope of the good news! 

"Prayer is the solution because Jesus is the answer! Pray the fear of the unknown turns into the fear of the Lord and the greatest spiritual awakening of our lifetime." – Pastor Grant  

Practical Help…for pastors and church leaders 

An issue several churches and pastors have asked for assistance with is online giving and stewardship. Even this past Sunday, we received reports that many churches that had to cancel saw an increase in online giving if they offered it. Eddie Urbine from the SBC of Virginia has provided a few points related to ongoing stewardship and online giving. You can reach Eddie at eurbine@sbcv.org. We have also set up NotAlone@sbcv.org as a “one stop” email for anything. Here are some recommendations… 

  • We recommend that churches set up online giving (online, mobile app, give-by-text) 

  • They should look and see if online giving is a part of the church management system. (this is a module in many systems, and you may be paying for it already) 

  • The vendor will need a proof of 501-C-3 from the church. The SBCV can provide this for you. Please contact HR@SBCV.org and ask for the 501-C-3 letter. 

  • Some online giving platforms churches may want to consider: 

  • Share in many ways, how people can give and make it easy. Including simple links in emails/Facebook/Twitter.  

  • Assign someone “non-techy” that members can call for help with giving online.  

  • For some churches mailing a letter addressing needs and include a return envelope(s) for their gifts.  

  • Also, churches should check their insurance polices to see if the have a rider for closure of the church. This depends on your individual policy. Please contact your insurance agency.  


You are not alone! 

Your brother in Christ, 

BRIAN AUTRY

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