First, I’ll be the first to acknowledge I have never done this before and have no idea what I’m doing. However, with that caveat, I’m making plans for a new phased reopen. I thought these might help you, and I thought you might be able to help me.

Step One: We tracked our own numbers and established a data driven criteria for restart. We are watching for 14 days of 30% decline in new cases. We are also watching for a 14 day 30% decline in deaths from Covid-19. Combining those numbers with CDC guidelines that give legal permission, we will take our first steps toward reopening. Based on the trajectory of Texas government declarations and the data, we anticipate a partial reopening in about 6 weeks. Visitor capacity and preregistration for members attending will be part of our pre-planning.

Step Two: We decided to reopen with a “small” worship gathering. We will host live services for 100 people in the auditorium and simultaneously in our gym for another 100. The gym folks will watch a live-feed of the service. We plan to host at least two service hours unless we need more capacity. We will add services as needed. Face masks will be required. We are also working to change our seating arrangement to optimize physical distancing.

Step Three: We will delay our restart of in-person small groups hosted in the building. This will enable us to respect physical distancing.

Step Four: A delay in adult small groups will require a delay in our restart of children’s ministry and preschool care. The gym venue will be an easier environment for those with kids who attend with them.

Step Five: We will continue to accelerate and expand our digital reach, Livestream, small group video meetings, and produce new content and biblical studies for online ministry. We will also shift our mission strategy to use the digital opportunities that have opened due to Covid-19.

That is our plan. We expect it to be adapted and all staff are on a one week turnaround call in case everything opens quickly. Best projections seem to place our restart at sometime between mid May and mid June. More importantly, we want to focus on advancing the mission rather than getting “back to normal”. Bless you as you lead!