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

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?

Industry Best Practices


Stewardship Resources


Stewardship Resources from Pr. Mike Ward, our THRIVE! Campaign consultant:

https://gsbfundraising.com/category/news/

You may access the recording at: April 23rd Online Workshop: Keeping Stewardship Strong in Uncertain Times.

The password is: 3M*T$8@!

Please note: the first 6 minutes include “gathering time,” so you may wish to “fast forward” to timestamp 6:05 where the workshop begins.

Preferred ELCA Online Giving Providers

Tithe.ly: https://get.tithe.ly/elca

Vanco: https://www.vancopayments.com/egiving/elca