Almost everything about church has changed because of COVID-19, including communion and the offering. Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee discuss how to still include these elements in the worship experience.
2:08 Lee asks Danny: What have you seen done that is a complete mistake when it comes to offering communion?
3:11 Since passing the basket is out, probably for good, Danny says the simplest option is placing an offering box or bucket in a secure location in the back.
3:32 Danny says, Don’t take the worship element out of giving just because it’s online.
4:21 Even if it’s just a quick announcement, you still have the opportunity to cast vision and train people in what giving actually is all about.
4:31 It’s still important to schedule the offering within the normal order of worship experience, whether in person or virtually.
5:10 You can use the offering as a time for people to fill out virtual connect cards.
5:34 Make the offering about worship, not just the function of a financial transaction.
5:39 Lee says, Don’t bypass the opportunity to teach on giving. “People still need to be reminded and educated, why this is an important part of our faith journey.”
5:57 Lee says it’s important to give very easy, clear next steps. If you have boxes or baskets in the back, point those out, explain what to do. Explain envelopes are only necessary for cash. Drive everybody to online giving as much as possible.
7:43 Lee and Danny talk about how to do communion in this season of church? How do you do communion virtually? And then how do you do communion when you do get back to in-person gatherings at some level?
9:29 Lee’s church used pre-packaged communion elements when they had their first in-person gathering since COVID. He explained to people what to do and that they were all put out in a sanitary method.
11:00 Danny says pastors should let people know it’s OK not to take communion if they don’t feel comfortable. Consider doing it at home or wait until you’re more comfortable.
