The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada recommends all churches and pastors adhere to all provincial public health regulations and recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re Here for You During COVID-19
We’ve all been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic relationally, socially, psychological, physically or economically. As Christ followers, this is a time where we can nuance the narrative of fear and anxiety to one shaped by hope. As a family of churches, let’s continue to pray for one another!
On this page, you’ll find access to resources, ideas and reference materials you can use personally and for your church. And we’re just a phone call away if you have any questions.
Meeting in Person? Here's What You Need to Know
We wish to be responsible citizens and stay informed of the continued risks and precautions associated with this pandemic. Our churches must navigate this season faithfully and safely. Our national, provincial and local government health authorities are still our best source of that information.
We encourage you to read through the Guide to Reopening Churches from the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and Canadian Baptist of Atlantic Canada’s 2020 Church Reopening Plan. Then, check out these resources based on your province:
British Columbia & Yukon:
*As of November 23rd, at 3:00 pm, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced that the 50-person indoor gathering limit has been suspended immediately for all faith communities across the province. Read more here.
- Current Restrictions for BC/Yukon
- Public Health Contact Tracing (via province of AB)*
- BC Reopen Plan
- BC Centre for Disease Control
Alberta & NWT:
- Current Restrictions for Alberta/NWT
- Guidelines for Places of Worship
- Summary for Places of Worship
- Faith Leaders Letter from Dr. Hinshaw – Nov 28, 2020
- Public Health Contact Tracing*
- Alberta Reopen Plan
Saskatchewan:
- Current Restrictions for Saskatchewan
- Public Health Contact Tracing (via province of AB)*
- Provincial Guidelines for Places of Worship
Manitoba:
- Current Restrictions for Manitoba
- Public Health Contact Tracing (via province of AB)*
- Guidelines for Places of Worship
- Manitoba Reopen Plan Phase 2
*We recommend that churches ask attendees to voluntarily register to assist with public health contact tracing should someone in attendance test positive for COVID-19. Online registration is encouraged as a first choice. If your church is registering attendees on site, you may use the AB Attendance Sheet as a template, taking into account your provincial/territorial guidelines.
Support for Leaders in the Midst of a Pandemic
Easter 2021
CBWC Staff have created a video-based Easter preaching series entitled “Durable Hope” to help lead your congregation through Holy Week – from Palm Sunday through to Celebration Sunday. Click here to view. *Videos available by March 5th*
Online Leadership Tools
- What does it look like to be the Church in these uncertain times? Join the conversation at Missional Commons.
- Helpful Resource for Leadership in a time of crisis by Andy Crouch
- Step by step, research-informed, faith-based planning manual from Wheaton College
- Connect with your CBWC Regional Minister and cluster groups virtually for extended zoom sessions of sharing resources and prayer
- Worship resources from Calvin Institute for COVID-19
- Prayer Line: covid@cbwc.ca or via messenger on CBWC Facebook page
- Reflection for Covid-19 (from CBOQ)
- BC Christian Leaders Letter
- Legal Marriages in BC
Guidance for Holding Annual General Meetings
Dealing with Finances and Church HR
Government Financial Supports
- Alberta Faith-based Relaunch Grant
- CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed (Dec 4 2020)
- Federal Rent Subsidy for Non-Profits
- Alberta Gov $1M Grant for Faith-Based Facilities
- Manitoba Bridge Grant for Non-Profits
- Sept 23/2020 – Wage subsidy to be extended
- CRA launches updated CEWS calculator
- Ottawa loosens EI requirements as part of CERB transition
- Extension of filing T3010’s with CRA
- Wage subsidy extended till December
- Government-backed loans for small businesses
Receiving Tithes & Offerings
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- E-transfer instructions: Someone with signing authority on behalf of your church may visit your local bank to register your church’s email address and begin accepting e-transfer donations. Setting up e-transfer this way ensures that all donations are transferred directly from one institution to another, without need of a password. Deposit notifications are emailed to the church identifying the name of the donor and amount of the gift to ensure accurate tax receipting.
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- Members may also set up electronic giving by adding the church as a payee in their “bills menu” to personal online banking. All that is needed is the church’s banking information
- Apps: pushpay & tithely
- BMO Business Online powered by Moneris Gateway
- How Your Church Can Survive Financially – Video
Church HR Resources
- Resources for Alberta Based Employers Re: COVID-19
- Resources for BC Based Employers Re: COVID-19
- Resources for Manitoba Based Employers Re: COVID-19
- Resources for NWT Based Employers Re: COVID-19
- Resources for Saskatchewan Based Employers Re: COVID-19
- Resources for Yukon Based Employers Re: COVID-19
Tech Tools for Virtual or Hybrid Church Services
If you’re new to hosting online, livestreamed or hybrid gatherings, you’re not alone! The good news is that there are tons of resources on YouTube and around the web that can point you in the right direction. Here are a few to get you started:
- Bryce Ashlin-Mayo: Digital Mission
- Video Pastor Quick Tips (on camera use, lighting, audio and more!)
- Brady Shearer’s video: Cheapest Livesteam Setup for Churches (that still looks awesome)
- Practical tips for starting home groups online. You could try Zoom, Google Hangouts, Talky, Skype or Slack.
- 3 simple ways your church can start livestreaming
- Instagram tips for livestream (click on small arrows to advance slides for instructions)
- Other paid options: Faithlife // Online Church Platform // Zoom Webinar
This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.