As a response to the growing Corona Virus Pandemic many churches are innovating in order to ensure a continued ministry to their communities. One of the innovations is actually not new at all, its a Drive-In Church Service. Basically this concept allows congregants to attend services from the safety of their car. Without leaving their car, or having any in person contact even the most vulnerable members of the congregation can remain engaged in their church and receive the much needed worship experience.
How To Host a Drive In Service:
1. You will need a Public Address System and if possible a short wave radio transmitter. The shortwave radio transmitter is the best option for clearly reaching every car with the sound, especially during inclement weather.
2. Arrange parking so that there is an ease of entrance and exit for all in attendance. Make sure all the cars are facing the same direction if possible.
3. Announce that the public will remain in their cars. (This means public restrooms will not be made available in the building, so your service may be shorter than normal)
4. Position the preacher and worship team in a place where everyone can see them if possible.
5. Have one or two staff members to direct people to parking spots closest to the front, and then fill them as people arrive. Be sure not to block entrances and exits.
6. Consider using your online broadcast simultaneously, this will allow people to access the audio online if necessary.
Why host a drive-in service?
1. The church should use every available means to reach its congregation as well as the community during this critical time.
2. The drive-in church service will encourage the continued habit of church attendance.
3. The drive-in church service provides a sense of unity and community in a safe environment for all members of the congregation.
4. The drive-in church service will provide congregants an opportunity to continue their stewardship and generously during this time.
Who can host the drive-in church service?
1. In the state of Texas, the governor has issued an executive order which designates religious institutions as essential service providers. Under that rule, any church in the state of Texas may host a drive-in service, so long as parishioners remain in their cars for the entire service.
2. California and New Mexico do not currently designate the church as essential, and drive-in services are not permissible in those states.
3. Colorado permits the following:
In-person pastoral services for individuals who are in crisis or in need of end of life services provided social distancing is observed to the greatest extent possible. Houses of worship may remain open, however, these institutions are encouraged to implement electronic platforms to conduct services whenever possible or to conduct smaller (10 or fewer congregants), more frequent services to allow strict compliance with Social Distancing Requirements. It is unclear if Drive-In Church will be allowed.
4. Arizona has designated religious institutions as essential, but we do not have a specific answer on drive-in services.
5. Kansas has not designated religious institutions as essential functions, but there may be allowance for gatherings of 10 out doors.
VIDEO – Texas Governor Greg Abbot Explaining the Essential Services Designation
