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.
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
COVID-19 Church Weekly Webinar Series
Hosted by Jamie Aten, PhD. and Kent Annan, MDiv.
Webinar every Friday at noon, CST
In partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals
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.
Introducing Spiritual First Aid
Spiritual First Aid is the first disaster spiritual and emotional care intervention to have been built from the ground up using both biblical wisdom and evidence-informed psychological insights gained from years of scientific study.
This manual will equip you to use Spiritual First Aid’s easy-to-use BLESS Method, which takes the “guesswork” out of providing disaster, spiritual, and emotional care remotely and while staying at home.
It's available to download now at spiritualfirstaidhub.com, our new resource website with tip sheets, manuals, handouts, books, research, and more to help you provide spiritual and emotional care amidst COVID-19.
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's Book: Alisa & the Coronavirus
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.
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.
Is Your Church Ready for the Coronavirus?
Facts & Trends
Read the article
There Are No Heavenly Bonus Points. Please Stay Home If You’re Sick.
Faith Counts
Read the article
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
4 Steps to Cultivating Pastor Resilience
The Exchange with Ed Stetzer
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
Just Because the Economy Is Reopening Doesn't Mean Your Church Should
Religion News Service
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
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
The Church's Response to Pandemics
Ed Stetzer Live
Listen to the podcast
Coronavirus and the Church
Chris Fabry Live
Listen to the podcast
Jamie Aten on The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge
The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge
Listen to the podcast
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
Listen to the podcast
Alone Together Is Still Alone
Where We Live (Connecticut Public Radio)
Listen to the podcast
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
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
- 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. This free article from Church Law & Tax will help you and your leaders start making informed decisions, both about modifying or cancelling worship services and gatherings and about modifying work schedules and duties or closing the church office.
- 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.
