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FLEXIBLE STRATEGIES THE CHURCH SHOULD USE TO PROMOTE

HER MINISTRY IN THE POST COVID-19 ERA.

ILOLI ISAAC

REG NO: 21/U/03/006/BTHEO/FT

KUMI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF THEOLOGY

COURSE WORK

COURSE UNIT: WRITING AND STUDY SKILLS

LECTURER’S NAME: REV. OGULU ERICH.

JUNE 9, 2022.
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INTRODUCTION:

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AND CHURCH-MINISTRY

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and

was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. It is very contagious and has quickly spread

around the world.

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or

pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of

your body may also be affected by the disease.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.

Some people including those with minor or no symptoms may suffer from post-COVID

conditions — or “long COVID”.

Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of

severe illness from COVID-19.

Hundreds of thousands of people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.

Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Vaccines teach our immune system to fight

the virus that causes COVID-19.

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SARS-CoV-2 is part of the coronavirus family, which include common viruses that cause a

variety of diseases from head or chest colds to more severe (but more rare) diseases like severe

acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Like many other respiratory viruses, coronaviruses spread quickly through droplets that you

project out of your mouth or nose when you breathe, cough, sneeze, or speak.

The word corona means crown and refers to the appearance that coronaviruses get from the spike

proteins sticking out of them. These spike proteins are important to the biology of this virus. The

spike protein is the part of the virus that attaches to a human cell to infect it, allowing it to

replicate inside of the cell and spread to other cells. Some antibodies can protect you from

SARS-CoV-2 by targeting these spike proteins. Because of the importance of this specific part of

the virus, scientists who sequence the virus for research constantly monitor mutations causing

changes to the spike protein through a process called genomic surveillance.

As genetic changes to the virus happen over time, the SARS-CoV-2 virus begins to form genetic

lineages. Just as a family has a family tree, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be similarly mapped out.

Sometimes branches of that tree have different attributes that change how fast the virus spreads,

or the severity of illness it causes, or the effectiveness of treatments against it. Scientists call the

viruses with these changes “variants”. They are still SARS-CoV-2, but may act differently.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and

recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require

medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular
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disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. 

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease

and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 meter

apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-

based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they

cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to

smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a

flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

HISTORY ABOUT THE OUT BREAK OF COVID 19

On 31 December 2019, WHO was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan

City, China. A novel coronavirus was identified as the cause by Chinese authorities on 7 January

2020 and was temporarily named “2019-nCoV”.

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common

cold to more severe diseases. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been

previously identified in humans. The new virus was subsequently named the “COVID-19 virus”.

On 30 January 2020, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General declared the

novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), WHO's
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highest level of alarm. At that time there were 98 cases and no deaths in 18 countries outside

China.

On 11 March 2020, the rapid increase in the number of cases outside China led the WHO

Director-General to announce that the outbreak could be characterized as a pandemic. By then

more than 118 000 cases had been reported in 114 countries, and 4291 deaths had been recorded.

By mid-March 2020, the WHO European Region had become the epicenter of the epidemic,

reporting over 40% of globally confirmed cases. As of 28 April 2020, 63% of global mortality

from the virus was from the Region.

Since the first cases were reported, WHO has worked around the clock to support countries to

prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the words of Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO

Regional Director for Europe, “Through transparent knowledge-sharing, tailored support on the

ground, and steadfast solidarity, we will beat COVID-19.”

SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to

moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

Fever

Cough

Tiredness
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Loss of taste or smell.

Less common symptoms:

Sore throat

Headache

Aches and pains

Diarrhea

A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

Red or irritated eyes.

Serious symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion

Chest pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.  Always call before visiting

your doctor or health facility. 

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. 
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On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to

show, however it can take up to 14 days. 

PREVENTION

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following: 

Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.

Stay at least 1 meter apart from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick.

Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible or when in poorly

ventilated settings.

Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand

rub.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.

However, it is called coronavirus because the Coronaviruses are named for their

appearance: “corona” means “crown.” The virus’s outer layers are covered with spike

proteins that surround them like a crown.

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MEANING OF THE CHURCH

According to the Truth for the World, Bible correspondence course, Pg2.explains the

meaning of the church by saying, to understand the meaning of the church better, let us

realize that the Bible speaks of the church as being:

The body of Christ. It is the spiritual body of Christ. Christ is its head (Ephesians 5:23).

There is but one body (Ephesians 4:4). The one body is the one church (Colossians 1:18).

The household of God. The word "house" in the Bible suggests family. This helps us to

understand that the church is the family of God. In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul says that the

house of God is the church of the living God. God is the Father and we are His children

(Galatians 3:26-27).

The kingdom of God. Kingdom suggest a King. Christ is the King (Revelation 17:14).

But to be a king, the kingdom has to exist now, and it does (Acts 8:12). We are Christ’s

people. The world is His territory. The New Testament is His law. This is the church

(Matthew 16:18-19). The kingdom and the church are the same.

The vineyard of the Lord. Christ is the vine. Individual Christians are the branches

(John 15:1-8). Christians must work in the church and bear fruit for the Lord
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What is ministry?

Ministry, in Christianity, the office held by persons who are set apart by ecclesiastical authority

to be ministers in the church or whose call to special vocational service in a church is afforded

some measure of general recognition.

In addition, Ministry is about giving of ourselves and our time, talents, and resources to bless and

help others.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHURCH MINISTRIES.

Positive impacts

Increased faith

This theme refers to increased participation and engagement in religious beliefs and practices.

The ban on religious gatherings in Ghana implied that the ban on regular church attendance and

personal spiritual development might have been a temporary challenge. However, a few

participants in our study emphasized that the situation afforded them the opportunity to commit

more time to building their personal spiritual faith, devotion, and prayers.

Relief/reduced stress

This theme refers to the sense of relief that results from reduction in workload. Besides benefits

to their spirituality, some participants described a reduction in their stress level.

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Increased family time

As used in this theme, family time refers to the time spent with spouse, children, or members of

one’s household. The rigorous demands of pastoral ministry pose a challenge to many full-time

religious leaders to the extent that they sometimes do not spend adequate time with their

immediate family; which may result in stress (Han & Lee, 2004; Lee, 2007). The announcement

of the ban on religious gatherings implied that most scheduled church programs and events were

suspended. As a result, religious leaders could spend more time with their family members and

strengthen existing family ties.

Negative impacts

Spiritual slacking

The temporary halt on religious gatherings in Ghana significantly altered the religious routine for

most religious leaders. In response, the Christian church leaders we interviewed reminisced

about the ‘normal times’ when they were able to discharge their mandate without any hindrance.

Some recounted that the restriction was a source of challenge to their faith in the sense that they

found it difficult to prepare and deliver sermons to their congregations.

Loss of fellowship

Loss of fellowship pertains to the absence of face-to-face interaction and religious assembling. It

also refers to the lack of community felt by the religious leaders. The transitioning process from

conventional church attendance to virtual meetings was still ongoing for most churches during

the initial stages of the ban on religious gatherings in Ghana. As a result, most of the Christian
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church leaders we interviewed were still in the process of devising ways and acquainting

themselves with new ways of engaging with their congregants. Lack of in-person contact

contributed to a loss of the social benefits derived from face-to-face meetings:

Disruption of normal routine

This theme focuses on impairment of daily routines occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic as

well as the restrictions on religious gatherings. The announcement of the ban on religious

gatherings in Ghana in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered mixed reactions from

many quarters, especially as nothing of the sort had been experienced in the recent past.

Pandemic anxiety

Pandemic anxiety as used in this theme refers to the fear of being infected by the coronavirus.

During pandemics, anxiety may arise because of adjusting to health and safety measures that

may include but are not limited to social distancing and hygiene protocols (Taylor, 2019). Our

participants often expressed feelings of anxiety and emotional distress, mainly because of the

constant necessity to comply with the health and hygiene protocols and the threat of COVID-19

infection.

Financial stress

Financial stress refers to the sense of uneasiness and angst experienced by the Christian church

leaders interviewed due to a loss or reduction in their income. In Ghana, several churches engage

the services of lay preachers and ministers who receive little or no remuneration for their

services.
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FLEXIBLE STRATEGIES THE CHURCH SHOULD USE TO PROMOTE HER

MINISTRY IN THE POST COVID-19 ERA ARE;

Sticking on the technology for social connections.

This implies the use of television, radios, phones for WhatsApp, and others ways one can

connect or reach many people electronically within a short time and conveys to them the

message about Jesus Christ as well as exploring Christianity.

Virtual small group making.

It is so imperative when you are involved in a small-group purposely for Bible study, one should

call upon a friend to share together because, People are rarely offended when invited to

something and hence this will strengthen their faith during the covid-19 era.

Making Records of your personal testimony and post it on different social media platform.

Everyone is online now, and most have more time on their hands, so going live has great

potential and therefore, it is easy for someone to record and send on social media his/her

testimony or story about Jesus in his/her life.it is paramount for a three-four minute testimony

and share in video on social media or even an audio. Make sure that you Encourage people to

comment or message with questions. Consider answering questions live or take the conversation

deeper via a direct message or by phone hence such an activity will be of a great strategy to

strengthen, promote the ministry and build the body of Christ amidst covid-19 era.
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Promote unbelievers small meetings as one of the evangelism method used in

As a strategic Christian, should make the discovery of groups where unbelievers can explore

what Christians believe and ask spiritual questions without judgment so as to improve and

promote the church ministry as well as the growth of the body of Christ.

Visitation of a lost friend.

This is a perfect time to be utilized as a Christian to break the ice with non-Christian friends

whom you have never spoken with in a while, encourage one another with comfort and ask how

they are doing and pray for them during this uncertain time whereby it will aid in the promotion

of the ministry and set him/her for upright spiritual life amidst covid-19 era.

Spiritual interaction and virtual appointment making with those interested.

During this strategy one should be in position to make spiritual questionnaires to the respondent

and make clear discussions as well as correcting where necessary and finally, make video calls

on zoom WhatsApp, skype and other gargets and once you are on the call you can use a three-

story outline.i.e their story, your story, God’s story to emphasize on the matter hence drawing

someone nearer to Christ and building bonds in the word of God.

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Create a social media platform of a virtual watch party for your online worship services of

the church.

Most churches are hosting their services online. Share the link or consider hosting a “watch

party” on Facebook that notifies your friends and invites them to watch and this system

encourages believers and non-believers to join the service from wherever they are hence

promoting the ministry and building the body of Christ. S

Remember the Sabbath

According to a recent study, almost a third of churchgoers have dropped out during the

pandemic. If you’re growing weary of virtual Sunday mornings alone, organize a watch party on

Zoom to stream your worship service with friends, and chat as you go along.

Volunteer your skills

Christians should offer free skills whereby if you have accounting or business skills? Ask if you

can help your church cut expenses. Are you good at administration? See if you can fill in when

they are short-staffed. Handy with social media? Volunteer to make regular posts.

Stay connected

The church should encourage your small group or Sunday school class to keep meeting virtually

or outdoors, following safety guidelines. Create a contact list, and reach out by phone, email, and

text every week to stay in touch and pray for each other.  
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Encourage generosity

During times of crisis, church giving is undoubtedly affected, even as needs grow. Now is a

crucial time to engage friends from church in deeper generosity. A great way to do this is by

hosting an online Journey of Generosity event. 

Invite new people to virtual church

As the body of Christ, should reach out via phone or text to some people you know who aren’t

attending church anywhere, not even online. Ask them if they’d like to watch a service with you,

and make sure they have the times and links to watch. Then, follow-up afterwards to talk about

the service.

Invest in technical skills

Some Christians have technical skills, therefore they should find out if their church need an

investment in technical equipment and training to serve your congregation virtually and invest

their time to have technical skills with other members.

Try something new

If you have never done a virtual Bible study before, now is your opportunity. Use a tool like the

You Version Bible app to keep your friends from church connected and in the Word. Invite

them, and others, to do a study online and learn together each week.
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Coordinate a communication plan

If the church does not have a structure in place to ensure people are connected to a group who

will care for each other’s needs If not, call your church leaders to ask if you can help assign each

member with a list of people to regularly contact so that no one feels isolated.

Remember the lonely

As Christians, you should not forget to check on people in your congregation who live on their

own, whether they are elderly or young single members. Stop by their home for a chat from a

safe distance outside, or send a hand-written card.

Donate your tablet

In some churches, pastors are asking for people to donate iPads, iPhones, or other tablets to help

others go online to attend worship services virtually. Consider donating or buying a tablet for

someone who doesn’t have a device so as such a person not to miss out the spiritual study hence

promoting the ministry.

Keep the peace

As many pastors are working extra hard to keep their congregations facing forward with a plan,

they report being caught in the crossfire of their leaders and congregants who disagree about

social and political issues. Consider how you can meditate, pray, and sow peace within yourself

and among your church family. And therefore, Consider Romans 12:18 and 14:19 which will

make the ministry strengthened in Christ.

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Look outward

Talk with church leaders about how you and other members can partner with local ministries

that may be overwhelmed. Serving the hurting together can bring new purpose to your church

and build up the body of Christ.

Care for other churches

While your church may be facing its own challenges, there are probably other churches in your

area who are facing even greater struggles. Help your church find out about other local churches

who are hardest hit, and reach out to see how you can help hence promoting unity and growing

in the ministry.

Support your worship team

Contact your worship leaders to see what they need to thrive remotely. Ask them to build a

special Spotify playlist of worship songs that you and others can share on social media, or other

ways you can share their gifts so as to strengthen their worship in truth and faith as it should

be(John 4:24)

Pray for revival

Revivals and awakenings in the past have almost always occurred during times of great

disruption and social upheaval. Everyone in the body of Christ can participate in praying for
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revival, Pray and remember that the Lord is working all things together for good so as to promote

the ministry and build up the body of Christ.

Shift your mindset

It’s helpful to remember that the church is who we are, not just a place we go. In this unfamiliar

season, pray about how we can all shift our thinking from church-consumers to church-givers

who serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us.

Offer special prayers for the sick alongside messages of hope and comfort.

Religious leaders can provide faith communities with appropriate prayers, theological and

scriptural reflections, and messages of hope. Highlighting the opportunities

presented for reflection, prayer, and time with family members others can prove helpful

Responding to situations of domestic violence.

In settings where movement restrictions are in place, Religious leaders can actively speak out

against violence and can provide support or encourage victims to seek help. Where

a child is concerned, religious leaders should be informed of child protection and safeguarding

policies, including what to report, to whom, and how.

Helping members manage the onslaught of worrying news.

Religious leaders can encourage their communities to take steps to manage their stress and to

keep up hope during such times of isolation, fear, and uncertainty. The constant torrent

of news reports about COVID-19 can cause anyone to feel worried. Religious leaders can

encourage community members to seek information on the virus and also comfort them in

different ways.
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Offer special prayers for the sick alongside messages of hope and comfort.

Religious leaders can provide faith communities with appropriate prayers, theological and

scriptural reflections, and messages of hope. Highlighting the opportunities

presented for reflection, prayer, and time with family members others can prove helpful.

CONCLUSION:

Religious leaders and faith communities play a unique role in creating relationships and

connections between people across age groups, professions, and neighborhoods. In addition,

religious leaders are often linked into other service organizations through their professional and

pastoral roles. As a result, these leaders and organizations are uniquely

positioned to reinforce connections between people who may be isolated during periods of

physical distancing. Maintaining and strengthening relationships during this distressing time

can fortify the mental and spiritual health of your members and followers and contribute to

resilience in the larger community. Religious leaders can also help their

communities respond to COVID-19 with practices appropriate to their organization’s mission or

faith tradition.

Practices such as prayer, inspirational reading, and safe community service can build confidence

and create a sense of calm.

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REFERENCE

National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division

of Viral Diseases Last Updated Nov. 4, 2021

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578921/

Martin Munyao et al (2020), THE AFRICAN CHURCH AND COVID-Human security, the

church, and society in Kenya.

National Christian Foundation-Article

https://www.ncfgiving.com/stories/19-ways-to-help-your-church-thrive-during-covid-19/

Osei-Tutu, A., Kenin, A., Affram, A.A. et al. Ban of Religious Gatherings during the COVID-19

Pandemic: Impact on Christian Church Leaders’ Well-Being in Ghana. Pastoral Psychol 70,

335–347 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-021-00954-5

Truth For The World-Bible Correspondence Courses

https://storage.snappages.site/6H526S/assets/files/BCC-3-The-Church-of-the-Bible.pdf

WHO/2019-nCoV/ Religious_Leaders/2020.1

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331707/WHO-2019-nCoV-

World Health Organization

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid

19/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov