Planning for What’s Next

SOS/ELCA Best Practices

Youth & Family In-Person Gatherings during COVID-19

COVID-19 To Form or Not to Form? That is the question…

As we traverse the ever-changing world of in-person ministry to young people during a pandemic, I noticed school systems are requiring parents to sign disclosure forms related to COVID-19 and in-person school gatherings, specifically for extra-curricular activities.

I want to raise the question for you as to whether or not you should create such a form. Of course, the final authority on the topic is your insurance company.

If your insurance company suggests you do create such a form, I compiled a couple of documents that you can use as a starting point.

COVID-19 Forms for Youth & Family Ministry

Publications to consider as congregations make a plan to begin in-person worship

Considerations for Returning to In-person Worship-ELCA
Being Church Together During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Updated 5.12.20
Guidelines For Re Engaging In Public Religious Gatherings
From Citizens for Community Values (Ohio specific)
24 Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return
Article by Ken Braddy, Jr. (Not Ohio specific)
Guidance for the New Normal from the Clergy Coaching Network
Clergy Coaching blog (Not Ohio specific)
Avoid this Big Mistake: Stepping Back into the Past when You Step Back into Your Building
by Carey Nieuwhof (Not Ohio specific)

From Church Mutual Insurance

“No notice to CM (Church Mutual) is necessary and there is no impact on coverage. Insureds do not have a duty to advise their carrier of their intentions. All Church Mutual can do as a carrier is ask that their insureds follow all CDC, state and municipal guidelines as possible and that they focus on doing it safely”.

Check with your insurance provider to see what they advise regarding returning to in-person worship and liability coverage.

Recommendations for a Safe Return to Worship from Church Mutual 5.20.20
The article is a high-level overview of safeguards for consideration by houses of worship as they think about re-opening for public services.

COVID-19 Coverage From Church Mutual 5.20.20
How will my insurance coverage respond to a coronavirus claim?