Serving Christ Amid COVID

See how churches and individuals are responding to the call to serve during the pandemic

“The Franklin County Baptist Disaster Response Team emptied its disaster response trailer of all the usable supplies it contained and donated it to the Carilion Clinic (Roanoke Memorial and Franklin Memorial Hospitals). The donated items included N-95 and surgical masks, hazmat suits, and other items needed to help fight the COVID-19 virus.” - Doris Morgan, Franklin County Baptist Disaster Response Team

Pastor Tom Stocks holds a sign during Bon Air Baptist Church’s drive-through Easter parade in Richmond, VA.

“One way I have found to minister to my congregation is by making drive-by visits. I simply drive to a church member’s house and make a visit from a distance. I don’t go in, and I don’t touch anyone. Sometimes I leave a gift (like strawberries) on their doorstep and then call them and tell them I have left them a gift. My church family appreciates the visits. I feel connected to my congregation while being safe.” - Jerry Stanfield Childrey Baptist Church, Nathalie, VA

With the help of the Lynchburg and the Appomattox Baptist associations, Glenn Memorial Baptist Church in Prospect, VA has increased resources for its food ministry, The Red Truck Ministry, to help the local community during the pandemic.

“[In March 2020], we created an interactive Prayer Fence outside our church for the community to write prayers on ribbons and tie on the fence.” - Charles Cook, Cook Memorial Baptist Church, Pineville, WV

“Twenty-five percent of our church family has suffered either loss of their income completely or partial decrease in income. We spent the first week [in March 2020] grabbing grocery orders and delivering them, filled the fuel tanks of a few family vehicles, etc.” - Dan Magan, The Well Church of Nelson, Lovingston, VA

WMU ladies at First Virginia Baptist Church in Springfield, VA, pulled together to make masks and meals. Those masks and meals were provided to local senior adults and medical staff.

“Our church is a small-town church, but in the present time, we are possibly reaching more people than ever in different ways. Quickly ramping up our online presence has been a learning experience for our staff and leaders, but worth the effort to keep our ministry functioning in worship, faith formation, and outreach. Our reach and engagements on Facebook have increased nearly 6000% and 3800%, respectively.” - Jonathan Davis, Beale Memorial Baptist Church, Tappahannock, VA

Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Glen Allen, VA, held weekly drive-in services since May 2020. The service was also streamed live through social media and the church website.