COVID-19

TBM donated 15,000 N-95 masks and assorted other supplies March 23 to be used by hospitals and first responders across the state in the midst of the growing coronavirus pandemic.

As churches and communities are forced to adapt to “the new way of doing church” in the age of the Coronavirus outbreak, here are some ways to help make the most of this strange situation. 

Some ideas that Texas Baptists ministries and churches are implementing to share God’s love during these challenging times.

We now have the opportunity to use this present crisis to our evangelistic advantage.

Now is the time for us as the church to equip and let the parents do the teaching. 

On Thursday, Texas Gov. Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-08 (EO). The EO supersedes previous orders and preempts municipal ordinances regarding social/public/mass gatherings. 

The Covid-19 pandemic is no doubt increasing stress levels for most everyone in the United States. 

MinistryGrid released training to help churches prepare a pandemic response plan, specifically in regard to the coronavirus. 

“Social distancing” has to be the phrase of the month! Yet we all really need social and spiritual connection throughout the current COVID-19 event. 

In these chaotic times, followers of Christ do well to remember the promises of His Word and the testimony of his faithfulness. 

TBM has placed all of its disaster relief volunteers and mobile kitchens on alert in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping across the globe.

Fear can wreak havoc in our lives. It can be a source of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain that shortens lives and robs people of joy. Fortunately, we have a Savior who is well aware of our propensity to fear and in whom we can find a faith that is greater than our fears. 

As more churches will meet virtually over the coming days, providing your congregation with a space to continue receiving spiritual nourishment is important. 

On March 15, the CDC recommended gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed for a span of eight weeks. In light of this recommendation, and in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, all Texas Baptist events scheduled to take place from March 15 through Apr. 15 have been postponed. 

As more churches will meet virtually over the coming days, it will become vital to provide online giving options for your congregation. 

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact churches, ministry partners and staff across our Texas Baptists family. While the situation remains fluid and there are many unknowns, we can rest assured that our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. We hope these suggestions will prove valuable to your ministry.

Ban Hanna, Church Health Initiative director, compiled this prayer guide acknowledging the severity of this crisis while also affirming the sovereignty of our King.

In an effort to help our churches, Texas Baptists leaders compiled the following suggestions and ideas as you seek to minister and care for your congregation and community during this time. Each church may determine for itself which ideas might work in its context.