This global pandemic is something that none of us have ever experienced, and it is something that we will never forget. As we begin to move towards what is next for our church and our community, we are proceeding with great caution and leaning on wise counsel. Our reentry plan is built around the following three components:
Our ultimate authority is God, but He has given us earthly authority and instructed us to obey it.
Romans 13:1 — Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Lifepoint works hard to create spaces that are safe and secure for all ages. Our reentry plan takes into consideration current stats on the virus, age groups, life circumstances, process changes, and what best serves our community. We have sought wisdom in this area from medical professionals, our volunteer teams, governmental agencies, and other churches.
Proverbs 4:6-7 — Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
God gives each church their own DNA to reach a group of people that will connect with that DNA. As we sort through what our authority tells us we can do, and what wisdom tells us we should do, we also want to make sure that we stay true to who we are as a church.
Romans 12:2 — Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Using the three filters mentioned above, Lifepoint has put together a three-stage plan for reentry to our physical locations.
Because of Lifepoint’s size, the style of our worship services, and the dynamics of our kid's ministry, it may take us a little longer to re-enter our physical locations. However, we will continue to offer great services online and other options to connect during this process.
Here are a few more items that shaped our timeline and plan:
North Carolina Phase 1: Starts May 8, 2020
This is the stage that we are in right now. Stage 1 operations were triggered by NC Phase 1Guidelines. The NC Guidelines in this period still encourage most people to stay at home, but some non-essential businesses are reopening.
During this stage, the following will be in place:
North Carolina Phase 2: Begins as early as May 22, 2020
Achieving Stage 2 Operations allows for the lightening of restrictions towards gatherings and will allow for small groups of people to gather together. The NC guidelines remove the stay at the home ban, allow restaurants to seat people at a reduced number, and allow churches to gather with reduced capacity.
During this stage, the following will be in place:
North Carolina Phase 3: Begins as early as 4-6 weeks after Phase 2 (approx June 19th-July 3rd)
Achieving Stage 3 Operations is the upgraded normal for Lifepoint. There will be new protective measures in place, new processes that reduce physical touch, and new teams that keep Lifepoint even cleaner for guests. The actual date of our reentry will be driven by the capacity numbers that NC will allow. When the number approaches the size of our church, we will begin to activate our teams and schedule our physical services.
During this stage, the following will be in place: