CDC Issues Updated Guidance for Camps: 3 Things to Know
Camps across the nation are opening their screen doors and welcoming campers once again. New CDC guidance for youth summer camps offers hope for a fun-filled, Gospel-filled season.
-
-
My Account
Before We Gather
Check back often for articles and videos as your ministry continues to move forward during this time of coronavirus. Read the latest on children’s ministry, social distancing, communication, and more.
What's Your Facility Game Plan?
We asked Tim Cool, chief solutions officer with Smart Church Solutions, to share some quick tips to minimize the spread of germs and to help with social distancing in different areas of your building.
Prep Entrances
General Cleaning
Prep Gathering Spaces
Prep Sanctuary
Prep Restrooms
Preparing Children's Check-In
Preparing Children's Area
Preparing the Nursery
Additional Resources
Updated August 2021:
- CDC Guidance - Schools and Child Care Programs
- CDC Guidance - Workplaces
- CDC Guidance - Community Organizations and Gatherings
- CDC Guidance - Colleges and Universities
-
Camp Food Service Amid COVID-19
How to get your camp kitchen and dining hall ready for Summer 2021 amid COVID-19. Here are some safety measures to consider.
-
Inviting the World to Your Virtual Meetings
Virtual platforms have transformed how we meet with colleagues around the world. They also have made us vulnerable to new risks. Here are seven steps you can take to improve the privacy of your next online meeting.
-
SCOTUS blocks OSHA ETS - Overview of the Large Employer Vaccine or Testing Mandate
On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 6 to 3, that OSHA does not have the authority to require private employers to implement the COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard.
-
President's Announcement about Vaccine Mandate for Employers Generates Questions
This rule for employers with 100+ employees has generated many questions from ministries since it was first announced on September 9, 2021. Most of these will have to wait for answers until the actual requirement is published. Ministry leaders should actively monitor the development of this “vaccine mandate” and consider how they may need to respond.
-
Vaccinations: Responding to Religious Exemption Requests from Attendees
You may be asked by an attendee to write a letter to their employer as supporting documentation or to sign off on a religious objection to immunizations waiver form. Before you do so consider this important question: Does your church have sincerely held beliefs against vaccines or immunizations?
-
Delta variant brings masking back to forefront
As COVID-19 rates begin to rise across the country, due in part to the Delta variant, church leaders may be wondering what measures to bring back to keep their people safe.
-
How COVID-19 Vaccines May Affect Schools
As COVID-19 vaccines become more available across the country, you may be wondering what it means for your school. This article provides a primer on the vaccine so you can make decisions on how best to protect your people.
-
COVID-19 Vaccine Basics
This article provides a primer on the vaccine so you can make decisions on how best to protect your people.
-
Supreme Court Rules Against Size Restrictions for Church Gatherings
Houses of worship in NY, CO, and NJ received relief from what they say was a targeted executive order imposing harsh and unequal restrictions on in-person gatherings during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how the Supreme Court justices came to their decision.
-
Coronavirus: Sample Health Screening Checklist and Waiver Form
The Sample Health Screening Checklist and Required Coronavirus Supplemental Release waiver are designed to help ministries develop screening procedures that help protect your ministry and its people.
-
Guidelines for Setting Up a Temporary Virtual Learning Site
If your ministry has the desire and capability to provide temporary virtual learning supervision, you should consider the following points to protect your people and the children in your care.
-
Get On The Bus
If your school or ministry operates buses or vans to transport students or attendees, you’ll need a plan to protect drivers and riders from contagious respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
-
Mold and Legionella Lurk in Unused Buildings
If any parts of your church, school, camp, or college campuses have been unoccupied over the past few months, you’ll want to review these preventive measures as you work to wipe microbial health hazards before you gather again.
-
COVID+ and your Ministry: Tracking and Tracing
In January, the thought of taking attendance for your church service or having people register in advance to attend a service was almost unheard of. Today, however, ministry teams are doing both.
-
To Sing or Not to Sing
As ministry leaders make plans for in-person services, the issue of singing has been an unexpected outcrop of the COVID-19 virus. Your ministry may be weighing whether worship singing is safe, when to allow it, and how.
-
Pastoral Care: Gaining Perspective and Recognizing Burnout
How are you doing? This simple yet complex question can yield amazing insight into how pastors are thinking and feeling right now. This article was created during COVID, but is still relevant.
-
Staffing the Children's Ministry
You may find that some volunteers in your children's ministry may not be ready to resume their roles at this time. If you do find a void, remember that it is important to not only select the right volunteers for the right jobs, but to also screen your volunteers.
-
What does children's ministry look like going forward?
As ministries begin gathering, there are still many questions about how to safely and effectively teach children and youth. Each ministry will need to decide what’s best for their own congregation, but the following tips may help minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses as you consider how and when you’ll gather your children and youth.
-
Children's Ministry Prep - Cleaning and Disinfecting
Stepping up your cleaning and disinfecting practices can help minimize the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 when you return to children and youth ministry activities.
-
Before We Gather - Planning for Social Distancing
What does social distancing look like at church? We’ve compiled a list of areas to consider so your team can begin making plans. Be sure to let your attendees, staff, and volunteers know about any changes and what to expect in advance.
-
Before We Gather - Deep Clean and Disinfect
Stepping up your cleaning and disinfecting practices can help minimize the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 as you return to worship services. The coronavirus may be viable for hours to days on chairs, desks, pews, counters, door handles, phones, computer keys, microphones, and more.
-
Before We Gather - Communication Reduces Fear and Increases Connection
As your ministry makes plans to resume normal operations, ongoing communication with your employees, volunteers, and congregation remains an important element. Open communication about what to expect and any changes you plan to implement will help alleviate fear and anxiety.
-
Before We Gather - Taking the Touch Out of High-Touch Areas
It’s key for ministries to consider how they can limit possible germ spread through high-touch surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, faucets, sinks, toilets, touch pads, Bibles, coffee pots, pens, water fountains, offering plates, and more.
-
Before We Gather – Facilities Preparation
As you prepare for a gradual return to normal operations, you may be wondering how your ministry can prepare its facilities to address health and safety. There are steps you can take now to make sure your facilities are ready.
-
Digital Discipleship in an Age of Disruption
Ministries that leverage technology will not only be well-positioned in a growing digital landscape, but will likely be better equipped to handle unexpected disruptions. Learn how using the right tools can help protect the safety and security of your online ministry.
-
Online Ministry: Taking Church Beyond Brick and Mortar
Online ministry is a growing trend among Christian ministries. Discover how developing the right plans can help your church reach a new generation for Christ.
-
Avoid Unmasking an OSHA Violation
When it comes to keeping employees safe, OSHA governs occupational safety standards—including COVID-19 exposure. Can employees can file a claim if you fail to protect them?
-
Facilities Use Agreement
To limit the liability your church, school, or camp assumes, require all groups borrowing or renting space in your buildings or on your property to sign a facilities use agreement.
-
Activity Participation Agreement for Ministry and School
This sample agreement can be used for ministry or school. Ensure participants understand risks and protect your ministry from liability by having participants sign an activity participation agreement.
Request A Quote
Thank you for your interest in Brotherhood Mutual. We appreciate the opportunity to provide your church or other ministry with an insurance quote and will reply to your request as soon as possible.
Submit Your Question
Text to follow...