Coronavirus Resources for the Church
HDI tools to help your church faithfully prepare, not fearfully panic.
This is a dedicated resource page to help churches better prepare for responding to the coronavirus and what it may bring in the future. This page will be regularly updated with essential tools, resources, and information as this public health crisis unfolds.
Over the past 6 months, HDI has reached over 603 million people and trained 29,620 people around the globe. We recently released a new six-month report detailing the impact of our COVID-19 response, which began nearly two weeks before the declaration of the global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
Enroll in our revised online Spiritual First Aid Certification Course
Our newly redesigned Spiritual First Aid Certification Couse will equip you with all the training and tools you’ll need to help those around you who are struggling. We’ve packed 25 years of frontline spiritual and emotional care experience into an online 8-session certificate course that you can take alone (on-demand) or with a facilitator-led group. The course includes videos, workbooks, role plays and 20+ practical resources to help you confidently serve others who are in distress. Enroll now and start your journey towards becoming a Spiritual First Aid responder.
Download Our Manual & Planning Template
To help your church plan and prepare for the impact of COVID-19, we have created this practical, 28-page manual, Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Step-by-Step, Research-Informed and Faith-Based Planning Manual.
With biblical wisdom, research insights, and quick, actionable steps, this manual equips all traditions and denominations with a 6-step guide for addressing the coronavirus challenges. After downloading, you can edit and save directly in the manual as you prepare your plan.
You can also download the Coronavirus Church Planning Template.
See below for translated & adapted editions.
En Español: Preparando a su iglesia para el Coronavirus
En Français: Préparer votre Église face au Coronavirus
Adapted for Canadian churches: Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus Canada
In Traditional Chinese: 整備你的教會 來應對新冠肺 炎
In Simplified Chinese: 整备你的教会 来应对新冠肺 炎
Adapted for Southern Baptist Convention/Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission: Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus - ERLC
Adapted for Southern Baptist Convention/Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission - En Español: Preparando a su iglesia para el Coronavirus - ERLC
"Choices You Can Make to Stay Emotionally Healthy" Handout - Auf Deutsch: Was können wir tun, um emotional gesund zu bleiben?
Sign Up For Our Free Webinar Series
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COVID-19 Church Webinars
Hosted by Jamie Aten, PhD. and Kent Annan, MDiv.
In partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals
Mental Health Handbook
Our new Mental Health Handbook covers a range of topics that live at the intersection of COVID-19 and mental health. This 195-page resource brings to attention the myriad mental health needs COVID-19 has brought to the surface while also suggesting ways to cope, move forward, and become more resilient. Explore some of the most important and recent research and insights from great researchers around the world.
Studying During the Pandemic: A Guide for Christian College Students
As students across the country return to the classroom this week both virtually and in person, our latest guide geared toward Christian college students provides detailed, practical suggestions for learning during the pandemic.
Returning to Teaching During COVID-19: A Guide for Christian College Professors
This brief ebook shares lessons learned by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute faculty and staff and M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership students from Wheaton College who participated in one of the first on-campus college classes to be taught in the U.S. during this new school year as a week-long intensive dual modality course.
The Black Church in Action Against Racism During COVID-19
As our country faces both a global pandemic and racial unrest, the importance of the Black Church as a catalyst for social change has never been greater.
Our new guide, "The Black Church in Action Against Racism and COVID-19: A Practical and Biblical Guide to Prophetic Ministry While Protecting Health" (created in partnership with Healthcare Ready and World Impact, Inc.) offers practical ways for church leaders, particularly Black church leaders, to respond to systemic vulnerabilities, become collective agents of change, develop productive partnerships, and not get weary in well-doing while also protecting health during COVID-19.
Deciding When & How You Should Return to Church In Person
Churches across the country are deciding when and how to restart in-person gatherings. Just as leaders have been wrestling with the questions of when and how to go back to church safely, individuals also need to answer these questions personally. Our new manual will help you make a faithful, well-informed decision for you and your family during COVID-19.
You can also download one-page decision tools for individuals and churches and a Checklist for Church Members Returning to In-Person Services.
Guide to Reopening Church Services
There are no one-size-fits-all prescriptions when it comes to reopening church buildings; every church has its own unique context that needs to be considered. That’s why we’ve developed a new manual, "Guide to Reopening Church Services: A Step-by-Step, Biblically-Based and Research-Based Approach to Resuming In-Person Ministries."
Download it free at reopeningthechurch.com, our new website in partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals.
Access the Spiritual First Aid Online Summit
HDI partnered with Food for the Hungry, NavPress, and Outreach, Inc. to present the Spiritual First Aid Online Summit. It's not too late to register to hear from dynamic speakers, receive free tools, and learn about other catalytic initiatives designed to activate and support your church (and you as a leader) in providing spiritual, physical, and emotional care in response to COVID-19.
Children & Family Resources
This children's book, written by Gena L. Thomas with her four-year-old daughter Juniper, is designed to spur conversation between parents and children about coronavirus and its impact on our daily lives. Each page includes a reflection question and a drawing challenge to complete.
To help parents and leaders understand the unique perspectives of the younger generation, we’ve put together this toolkit with articles, books, tip sheets and more to help you understand what your kids are going through and give you ideas about how to connect with them.
Devotional: When Your Whole World Changes – COVID-19 Special Edition
HDI partnered with Biblica to create this new devotional to help people deal with the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic, available now in 31 languages.
YouVersion Reading Plan: Spiritual First Aid
Our 7-day YouVersion reading plan introduces the BLESS method, a biblical- and evidence-based resource to help care for ourselves and others experiencing a crisis. BLESS (which stands for Belonging, Livelihood, Emotional, Safety, and Spiritual needs) helps us be attuned and offer humble help.
Access the COVID-19 Church Online Summit
It's not too late to access the COVID-19 Church Online Summit from HDI & the National Association of Evangelicals.
Use #covid19church to share how your church is preparing, any questions you have about how to prepare, and to connect with other church leaders.
How We Respond to the Coronavirus Outbreaks May Depend on What We Want from Religion
Religion News Services
Read the article
Ebola as an Existential Threat? Experimentally-Primed Ebola Reminders Intensify National-Security Concerns Among Extrinsically Religious Individuals
HDI Research
Read the article
Public Health Planning Guide for Faith Communities
Read the manual
Community Without Communing: Resources for Virtual Church
Sojourners
Read the article
How to Talk to Your Aging Parent About COVID-19: A Thoughtful Approach to Conversations
Sojourners
Read the article
Hope + Resilience COVID-19 Series
Psychology Today
Read the series
Stay Home While Celebrating Easter
Sojourners
Read the article
10 Ways To Do Online Church Without Losing Community
Sojourners
Read the article
Bible Verses About Coronavirus: 20 Scriptures to Help Those Feeling Isolated and Discouraged
Faith Counts
Read the article
Spiritual First Aid: Resources for Responding to COVID-19 Mental Health Challenges
Christianity Today
Read the article
Why COVID-19 is the Time for Spiritual First Aid
Christianity Today
Read the article
Spiritual First Aid: Church Leaders on What the Church Needs Now
Christianity Today
Read the article
States Are Reopening. Should the Church?
Sojourners
Read the article
Considering When and How to Reopen Your Church
Christianity Today
Read the article
8 Questions Your Church Needs to Ask Before Reopening
Sojourners
Read the article
5 Ways to Step Into the Marathon of COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Christianity Today
Read the article
Spiritual and Mental Health for Children and Teens During COVID-19
Webinar Slides
8-6-20 Webinar Slides in PDF
COVID tips for Christian colleges: Wear masks, social distance, pray — and watch out for tornadoes9
Religion News Service
Read the article
From Katrina to COVID, American crises expose racial injustice again and again
Religion News Service
Read the article
The pandemic at six months: Welcome to the disillusionment phase
Religion News Service
Read the article
8 Ways COVID-19 is Complicating Disaster Ministry Responses
Facts & Trends
Read the article
5 Tips for Overcoming Ministry Hurdles in Times of Crisis
Facts & Trends
Read the article
Fighting the Pandemic with Our Hearts and Our Smarts
Christianity Today
Read the article
What You Need for Spiritual First Aid During COVID
ERLC
Read the article
Living in the Tension Between Grief and Gratitude this Holiday Season
Sojourners
Read the article
How Churches Can Prepare for the Coronavirus
BBC World Tonight
Listen to the broadcast
How You Should and Shouldn’t Respond to the Coronavirus
Relevant Magazine Podcast
Listen to the podcast
Coronavirus and the Church
Chris Fabry Live
Jamie Aten on The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge
The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge
Jamie Aten on What We Can Expect
Stetzer Leadership Podcast
Listen to the podcast
Spotlight on Coronavirus: Coping with the Emotions
Frankly Speaking About Cancer
Alone Together Is Still Alone
Where We Live (Connecticut Public Radio)
Listen to the podcast
Jamie Aten and Kent Annan on See the Good
Equip & Engage | Subsplash
Listen to the podcast
COVID-19 Activism with Theon Hill
The Holy Post Podcast
Listen to the podcast
Protest Guide for Black Church Network to Mobilize During Pandemic with Theon Hill
American Urban Radio Networks
Listen to the podcast
Jamie Aten on COVID-19, Storms, and Resilience
The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge
Kent Annan on Working with Refugees, COVID-19, and Spiritual First Aid
The Health Design Podcast
Listen to the podcast
Inside Out: Serving During COVID-19
Family Life Network
Jamie Aten on Psychology & Technology During COVID-19
Weekly Tech Podcast
Listen to the podcast
Gathering Safely for In-Person Worship During COVID-19
Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Listen to the conversation
Worries Over Virus Prompt Changes in Many Worship Services
Associated Press
Read the article
Sip From the Common Cup? On Ash Wednesday, Coronavirus Has Religious Leaders Tweaking Rituals
The Washington Post
Read the article
It's a Big Deal That Megachurches Are Canceling Live Services
Slate
Read the article
People often turn to faith for comfort during a crisis. How can churches help from behind closed doors?
Deseret News
Read the article
Places of worship cancel, livestream and hold drive-thru services in wake of global pandemic
FOX 5 NY
Read the article
Surgeon general, disaster experts advise church leaders in COVID-19 online summit
Religion News Service
Read the article
German churches stopped singing to prevent virus's spread. Should Americans clam up, too?
The Washington Post
Read the article
2 Illinois churches file emergency lawsuit against Pritzker's stay-at-home orders
WGN TV
Watch the video
Services Will Be a Completely "Touchless Experience"
Slate
Read the article
Trump Calls on Churches, Houses of Worship to Reopen This Weekend
WGN TV
Watch the video
Ready to go back to church? 10 things to consider before heading to worship
Religion News Service
Read the article
'Preparing for the Unthinkable': Disaster Ministry Designed as Spiritual First Aid to Help People, Communities Recover
CBN News
Watch the video
As depression, anxiety, grief spike during pandemic and protect, churches offer hope, mental health resources
Religion News Service
Read the article
What places of worship can do to keep members safe during COVID-19
MSN News
2020 Brought Trials for This Patient and Doctor. But Faith and Love Still Grew.
Christianity Today
Read the article
HDI Launches Spiritual First Aid Online Training & Certificate Course
Outreach Magazine
Read the article
The following tip sheets are saved in PDF format.
Tip Sheet: Communicating with Your Church About COVID-19
Tip Sheet: COVID-19 Spiritual First Aid
Tip Sheet: How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Ministering in a Time of COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Caring for the Wellbeing of Older Adults During COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Caregiver Tips During COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Social Distancing Dos and Don'ts
Tip Sheet: Facts, Stress, & Coping Information for Home Delivered Meal Volunteers
Tip Sheet: Coping and Caring for Oneself as Pastors and Christian Leaders
Tip Sheet: Coping with COVID-19 Managing Anxiety and Stress
Tip Sheet: Tips for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Tip Sheet: How Faith Communities can Care for IPV Survivors
Tip Sheet: Caring for Vulnerable People During COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Youth & Internet Safety During COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Helping Families Find New Rhythms
Tip Sheet: 5 Habits for Working and Schooling Under One Roof
Tip Sheet: Facing Loss During COVID-19
Tip Sheet: Confession: The Posture for Engaging in Justice Work
- A Concise Coronavirus Guide for Churches: A free, simple digital guide from Christianity Today, Church Law & Tax, and CTPastors helping pastors and church leaders with the theological, ecclesial, and managerial considerations to make in response to the outbreak.
- Keep up with the latest news and perspectives regarding the coronavirus outbreak through Christianity Today.
- Get help with policies and procedures best-suited to help your church manage risks with viral outbreaks.
- Ed Stetzer’s The Exchange has published a series of articles on how churches can respond to coronavirus, including advice from the Surgeon General, a challenge for a Christ-centered response, and a missiological response.
MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership
Our M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership (HDL) program at Wheaton College prepares the next generation of humanitarian and disaster professionals to lead with faith and humility, utilize evidence-based practice, and serve the most vulnerable and the Church globally.