Communicating in a Time of Coronavirus

Health officials are encouraging churches, schools, and organizations to communicate regularly with their employees and audiences about schedule changes, activity cancellations, using everyday precautions, cleaning of facilities, etc. Now is the time to review your current communication plan and options.

With the situation regarding COVID-19 pandemic evolving rapidly, you may need to explore additional ways to share timely and accurate information with your community. You can also use many of these tactics to keep your people updated on service and outreach opportunities, small gatherings, and more. Here are some ideas to consider:

Letter from the pastor or administrator. The letter could be mailed, emailed, posted on the church website, or shared through social media.

Text or email. Some church management platforms allow you to send group texts or emails to your entire community at one time.

Website. Some organizations are adding a COVID-19 landing page to their website, so their people can find news and updates related to the situation.

Social media. Small churches may find it easier to post updates to a Facebook page or Twitter feed than a website.

Radio and TV. Just as they do for weather-related closures, some local television or radio stations may broadcast the cancellation or postponement of church services due to the novel coronavirus.

Signage. If your church or school sign isn’t designed for messaging, consider posting banners or temporary signs to share important updates to service times or activities.

Telephone, text, or email tree. It may be possible to communicate with smaller groups of people, such as Bible studies or youth groups, by having one person contact another, who contacts another.

Additional Resources

Church Shares Coronavirus Messaging https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/resources/safety-library/risk-management-articles/disasters-emergencies-and-health/general-health-and-injury-prevention/coronavirus-messaging/

In-Person Services Cancelled: Taking the Gospel Online https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/resources/safety-library/risk-management-articles/disasters-emergencies-and-health/general-health-and-injury-prevention/coronavirus-gospel-online/

Posted March 13, 2020
The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.