COVID-19 Response

As the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic makes its way around the world, churches can play a key role in preventing the spread of the illness. This page and the pages linked below will be regularly updated with new information and resources as the COVID-19 outbreak and response continues to unfold in Minnesota.

Latest update: All Minnesotans are required to wear face masks in public spaces. As of Jan. 11, per Gov. Tim Walz's office:

• Faith-based organizations can house 50 percent of capacity with no maximum capacity number
• Outdoor events are limited to 25 percent capacity (maximum 250 people)
• Indoor events are limited to 25 percent capacity (maximum 150 people)
• Private parties with food and drink—including wedding receptions—are still limited to two households (10 people max) indoors and three households (15 people max) outdoors. If there’s no food or drinks being served, limits are the same as indoor or outdoor events. 

Bishop Bard is asking all congregations to adhere to the Phased Re-Gathering Plan for Churches, which is currently in the Orange phase.

View state preparedness plan requirements for faith communities 

Phased Re-Gathering Plan for Churches

This plan intentionally aligns with the phased plan released by the Office of Gov. Tim Walz. The detailed recommendations are driven by our Three Simple Rules.

Worship resources

A variety of pre-recorded sermons and other liturgical video resources are available to download, share, stream, or otherwise use in your online worship services.

Advent and Christmas resources

We've compiled some excellent ideas and resources for Advent and Christmas at a time when large, in-person gatherings are not possible, including a full worship service to use Dec. 27 or after. 

Virtual church resources

We've gathered many helpful resources on live streaming, virtual meetings, church finances, and church best practices during this unprecedented time.

Creative approaches to ministry

Congregations are adapting and finding new ways of doing and being church without in-person worship services and gatherings. 

Re-opening considerations 

As the economy and various businesses and organizations begin to re-open, here are some resources to consult and considerations to bear in mind as you think about returning to in-person worship.

Your questions answered

We are answering your questions and posting the responses here.

Minnesota Conference response

Find a few ways in which the Minnesota Conference is responding to COVID-19, including canceling conference events and organizing a COVID-19 response team.

Sources for helpful and accurate information

Finding trustworthy information can be difficult. Here are accurate sources for info at the national, state, and Minnesota Conference levels. Also, find info on the postponement of the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Church Financial Relief and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides low-interest loans for companies and nonprofits (including churches); a portion of which can be forgiven if the organization meets certain criteria, such as retaining workers

Archived email updates

We are sending out frequent email updates amid the coronavirus outbreak. Click to see all past emails.