As the vaccination schedules for COVID-19 reach more people, church leaders are probably starting to discuss when and how to return to a predominantly face-to-face schedule. You may be talking about the criteria you want to meet before you begin to make the switch back to regular services, and you are probably discussing how to communicate the decision clearly to the congregation. 

Pay Attention to Guidelines

At every step of the process, there are going to be federal, state and local guidelines that organizations are expected to follow in order to open safely. The CDC keeps a list of the current directives for community gatherings, but depending on where you live, the state and local mandates may be stricter. Compare the three and follow the rules of the strictest entity.

Even when the strictest recommendations say it's safe to return to in-person services, some cautious or vulnerable members could still be hesitant to attend. To make them more comfortable, you may want to consider still sticking to heightened safety protocols:

• Required face masks
• Hand sanitizer stations
• Individually packaged communion
• Social distancing

Make the Switch Gradually

It's likely that your members miss each other terribly, and some probably can't wait for everything to get back to normal. There's no need to rush the process, though. You already had to make quick decisions to change how you functioned overnight when the pandemic began. Try to spare your congregation more of the stress that comes with such abrupt changes. Gradually work your way back to consistent face-to-face meetings. 

You may even have found several benefits that come with hosting an online service during this time. Don't be too quick to discard this opportunity. Consider continuing to livestream services once you start meeting in person so that people who cannot attend physically can still be there virtually. You may even want to add a fully online service to your weekly schedule. Offer committee leaders the option to continue holding meetings on Zoom or some other videoconferencing platform. You may be surprised to find out how many people love not having to leave their homes in the evening or on weekends just to meet with their teams.

Go Back To Basics

Finally, you must consider the social aspect of reconvening regular worship services. Just as meeting online was an adjustment, returning to meeting in person is likely to be one, too. Conversations may be filled with eager small talk that suddenly ends in long pauses in which no one wants to be the first to say goodbye. The first few services may not go well as those who run it struggle to get back into the habit of making sure everything that needs to get done is accomplished. New members may be particularly anxious. Not only are they meeting new people, they are entering at perhaps the most socially awkward time to do so. Make time for people to get used to seeing each other in person again. 

In Acts, the early Christian church was instructed how to meet together. Other faiths have similar exhortations. Going back to these basic tips can help your members feel comfortable around each other again. The old familiarity of sharing a meal, reading and talking about scripture together, sharing their needs and concerns, and praying for each other can make the transition go more smoothly. 

Your members are undoubtedly excited about the prospect of meeting together again in person, especially now that more people are able to get a vaccine with such promising effectiveness. Realistic expectations are the key to avoiding discouragement and disappointment when face-to-face services resume. Make clear decisions, take it slowly and communicate with your congregation every step of the way to make the transition a success.