Many churches have found new and creative ways to worship together. Drive-in worship experiences have become a safer alternative to in-person gatherings. There are things your ministry can do to help protect itself and your attendees during these types of events.
Health Guidelines
As you plan for any type of in-person event or gathering, it is important to follow local and state gathering guidelines. Some states and counties may have stay-at-home orders that do not allow for a drive-in worship service. Also, your ministry should encourage staff and attendees to follow CDC guidelines like social distancing and wearing face masks.
Develop Worship Guidelines
Developing a digital graphic or info sheet that outlines the steps to participate in a drive-in worship service will help your attendees enjoy the worship experience from their car. Be sure to include instructions for entering and leaving the parking area. If an attendee must exit their vehicle, include instructions to inform ministry staff and maintain social distancing. Make sure your support staff is visible, alert, and properly protected with PPE provisions in case of an emergency.
Make Sure Everyone Can Hear
Your ministry can either live stream your service and have attendees connect their device to their vehicle or broadcast through an FM Radio. The FCC provides guidelines for low-power radio usage. Your service could also be projected through a portable PA system, but you must follow local noise ordinances and inform neighbors of your plans. It may be beneficial to inform local authorities as well to increase their awareness of the gathering.
Maintain Safety Equipment
Keep gloves, additional masks, a first aid kit, a defibrillator, a fire extinguisher, and other emergency equipment handy. Although your attendees will be in their vehicles, you never know when an incident may happen. It’s better to be prepared than searching in a quick response situation.
Additional Layers of Protection
Talk with your insurance agent about your drive-in worship plans. They will be able to inform you about other potential risks that may not be covered in your current package. You may need to add special coverages to protect your ministry and attendees while attending the service.
When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances.
Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com.
This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
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