By Andy Hale 

Will American self-centric ideology only allow us to submit to a stay-at-home order for so long?

NPR dropped a report that cell phone data usage shows that fewer people are following the social distancing guidelines.

Of course, some states, like Georgia, have reopened in their personally designed phases. While some have lauded this decision, many health experts warn of a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

Caught in between the pressure to reopen are congregational and pastoral leaders. The pressure is mounting for churches to resume their weekly rhythm of worship and programs.

From a public health perspective, what needs to happen for churches to consider resuming realistically? Who should churches be listening to about when is the right time to reopen?

Should the church be cautiously optimistic about opening any time soon?

We sat down with a Board-certified infectious disease expert and professor at medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Sonya Heath.

“We need to consider universal masking and six-feet distancing in everything that we do, moving forward until we have good treatments and a vaccine,” said Dr. Heath. “When it comes to our churches, we need to consider how we can be safe in the same way. At this given time, can your churches truly gather 10 people or less in a room, experiencing community without increasing risk to one another?”

This week’s episode considers the reality of what the church faces as it considers resuming its rhythm of life together.

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This podcast episode is brought to you by Fuller Seminary, The Center for Congregational Health, and Baptist Seminary of Kentucky.

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