A dim old church interior lit by suns rays penetrating through a colorful stained glass window in the pattern of a crucifix reflecting colors on the floor and a speech pulpit

Planning Guidelines

Each church needs to see what the state is requiring for church gatherings, as well as checking with your local authorities. GNJ has set up guidelines to help your planning process. All plans including meeting as small groups need to be approved by church council. The goal is no one becomes sick due to a GNJ gathering; therefore even with 10 people gathering, you need to consider these minimum essentials.

  • Who will assure all church plan is adhered to in each small group?
  • Who will take attendance and report it to the church office immediately after a meeting, if someone should get sick this makes contacting people efficient?
  • Who will post signs and make all participants aware of expectations in advance?
  • Will all participants need to wear masks? Will they be provided?
  • Can you accommodate seating that is 6 ft apart?
  • What is the plan to clean and sanitize the room where your meeting, as well as other things that are touched or used like tables, chairs, doors and bathrooms both before and after the meeting?
  • Will you have adequate supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors, including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for those who can safely use hand sanitizer), tissues, and no-touch trash cans?
  • Can you meet in a place with good venation, outdoors might be best. Inside with air conditioning might need HEPA filters?
  • Reminder: GNJ is highly recommending that no food is served.
  • Important consideration: To be welcoming to your group it will likely be necessary to still log into Zoom for those who are not comfortable meeting in person. How will you manage this?

Questions for Small Groups Hosts: With these things in place how do you think your group will feel about coming together physically?

For more information, contact: