The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware is closely monitoring the latest developments on COVID-19, the coronavirus. We are working diligently for you as this pandemic continues to impact our churches. Please contact us if you have a need or questions. The BCM/D is here to serve you. Contact Us→
Updates and Resources
You Are Not Alone
Resources for your church
Leadership In Times of Crisis
Restarting On-Campus Ministry After COVID-19
The church has changed with respect to how we worship, equip, and, above all, make disciples. The BCM/D has put together a list of guidelines to assist our churches in thinking through various aspects of restarting. It is critical for churches to prepare now for the return of on-campus activities.
Download guidance here→
48 Questions to Ask Before You Reopen Your Church
Every church will come to different conclusions about how many of these questions they should address. The goal is to reopen the church “decently and in order.” We must think about how to safeguard the lives of our most vulnerable members.
Download PDF→
Leading Through the COVID-19 Crisis
Dr. Ed Stetzer hosted a live discussion for pastors and church leaders. He covered the very important topic of leadership, burnout, and mental health. Watch the video→ and Download PDF Presentation→
5 Resources for Pastors
In the months ahead, many churches can expect a considerable decrease in giving, which will result in a struggle for large churches, small churches and church plants to make ends meet. So, where can pastors and church planters find help? Read article→
Department of Health
Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith
https://www.cdc.gov-guidance-for-churches
Maryland Department of Health COVID 19 page:
https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx→
Delaware Department of Health and Wellness COVID 19 page:
https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/2019novelcoronavirus.html→
Church Finance
Financial Assistance
Because of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on churches, the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and the Baptist Foundation of Maryland/Delaware are offering to assist churches financially.
The Baptist Foundation of Maryland/Delaware is offering the opportunity for a limited number of BCM/D cooperating churches to apply for an Emergency Assistance Loan due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approved loans will be made available for up to $5,000 with a 5-year repayment schedule. Limited funds are available. Applications are due by May 31st. If you have questions, contact Iris White (iwhite@bcmd.org) or fill out the application and send to iwhite@bcmd.org. Download Loan Application→
Are Church Employees Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
Ministries are included in the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act), and some of the provisions may either aid furloughed or laid-off church employees or offer incentives to retain employees. Read Article→
Legal Info
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, becomes effective April 1, 2020. It requires employers with 500 employees or less to provide emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and expanded family and medical leave (EFML) to eligible employees. Read More→ and Download PDF Poster→
COVID-19 Guidance For Maryland Religious Organizations
Governor Hogan issued Executive Order 20-03-30-01, requiring all persons to stay at home in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Download copy of interpretation→
Nonprofit Resources and Information on the CARES Act
GuideServe CARES Act Overview of Key Provisions: CARES Act Overview→
Cares Act Loan Calculator: Download Calculator→
Borrower Paycheck Protection Program Application: Paycheck Application Sample→
CARES Act Loan Provision Analysis: CARES Act Analysis→
1. GuideStone – Resources: Guidestone COVID-19-Resources→
2. GuideStone – Questions and Answers on Stimulus: Stimulus Q&A→
3. GuideStone – Questions and Answers Video: Q&A Video→
4. NEW: GuideStone – News Release on new guidance on Disaster Loan Assistance (in addition to Pandemic Phase III Stimulus Package): Disaster Loan Assistance Guidance→
Ways Your Church Can Serve
Community Resources and Information
Love your neighbors in need by connecting them with state and federal emergency assistance programs that have been adjusted to respond to coronavirus circumstances.
Delaware.gov community resources and assistance→
Maryland.gov community resources and assistance→
Community Volunteer Opportunities
Leverage your church’s hearts and hands to serve vulnerable people in your community by hosting a blood drive or coming alongside other community programs and organizations already on the ground.
American Red Cross Blood Donations→
Central Maryland Meals on Wheels→
–Maryland.gov community needs→
Share your COVID-19 stories and ideas!
We want to hear from you. God is still moving, and we would love to hear how He is working in you and your church during this time. Share Your Story→
Children's Ministry and Kids
BCM/D Kid’s Online Community
Check out the “BCM/D Kids” Facebook group for more resources and to share your ideas with other Children’s Ministry leaders.
BCM/D Kids Facebook Group→
Resources for Reopening Children’s Ministries Post Corona
6 Considerations for Reopening Kids Ministry→
Preparing Children’s Ministry Post COVID-19→
LifeWay Kids at Home: A Help for Parents & Kids at Home
Equip your families to study the Bible at home with the FREE LifeWay Kids at Home Digital Pass experience. Access includes a video session along with a downloadable activity page and conversation starters. Register at lifeway.com→
Ideas for Live Streaming
Live Streaming
If you need help setting up for Facebook Live, this brief training video walks through the simple steps for any church to stream their services (or other activities) on Facebook. Watch the video here→
Prerecorded Messages
Soapbox allows you to record, edit, and share videos in minutes. You can prerecord your message from your computer using free software. Find out more at wistia.com/soapbox→
NAMB Livestream Training
Register for a how-to event for beginners where you’ll see a step-by-step process for setting up your livestream and some basic enhancements you can make down the road. Register Here→
12 Necessities for Effective On-Line Preaching
The coronavirus virus has forced many pastors to do their preaching to and through a camera lens. Many pastors are preaching to twice, three times, even four times the number of people that had been gathering in their church’s Worship Center. There are twelve necessities every pastor should consider when preaching to transform lives while facing a camera. Rick Howerton→
12 Tips for Using Zoom to Teach a Bible Study
If you’re a group leader and want an interactive way to teach a Bible study during the COVID-19 crisis, ZOOM is a good tool that allows people to interact online in a safe environment. You can get a free version at zoom.us→
Online Giving
Generosity by LifeWay
During this unique and challenging season brought on by COVID-19, Generosity by LifeWay is opening its digital giving platform to all churches immediately. For more information, visit lifewaygenerosity.com/coronavirus→
Tith.ly
There are more giving platforms available. Check out Tith.ly→
Your Online Giving Page
When someone clicks on the link to give what do they see on the giving page? Is it merely a transactional experience? What’s the language on that page? Remember your giving page is now your offering plate. So do what you can to make that a good experience and remind people this to is an act worship. Check out article→
Training and Checklists
Ministry Grid
With the spread of the coronavirus, LifeWay wants to help churches take the appropriate measures to plan, prepare, and protect their people from the pandemic. In this free training, you will find practical videos, ministry-specific checklists, ready-to-use documents, and a sample pandemic policy all for you to contextualize for your church. Get Started→
48 Questions to Ask Before You Reopen Your Church
Every church will come to different conclusions about how many of these questions they should address. The goal is to reopen the church “decently and in order.” We must think about how to safeguard the lives of our most vulnerable members. Download PDF→
Share Your Story
BCM/D Statement on COVID-19
In response to concerns regarding the coronavirus, the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) is taking preventative action by postponing all BCM/D sponsored events. We will provide more information with regard to when each of these events will be rescheduled as soon as that information becomes available.
2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” We have made the careful decision to postpone gatherings in order to act with love towards our most vulnerable brothers and sisters who are at high-risk due to the coronavirus. As a result, we are confident in the Lord that He will protect and provide for us as we pursue His glory in all things.
Please join us in praying for those affected by the virus, and their families.
Psalm 46:1-5
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.
