Yesterday I shared 10 Ideas to Be a Good Neighbor during a Crisis, today, I share a few more resources from friends. Some of the material is redundant; however, I believe it may expand your horizons on how to love your neighbor well as we shelter-at-home, self-quarantine, and stay-local. Spending time with each other is critical. We need the social interaction. The Bible is clear – we need each other.
Jonathan Holmes gave me permission to share a great resource “Practical Ways to Stay in Touch in a Season of Social Distancing” that he authored from Fieldstone Counseling (check this ministry out here).
Another friend of mine, Robert Kellemen, also shared some creative ideas on “Practicing Spiritual Connecting While Social Distancing.” I have included portions of his great resource here as well. You can read it in its entirety here.
Practical Ways to Stay in Touch in a Season of Social Distancing by Jonathan Holmes
Scripture reminds us of people, like the Apostle Paul and the Apostle John, who in a season of being away from their loved ones, had to use different means and mediums to keep in touch.
3 John 13–15
[13] I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. [14] I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. [15] Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name. (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 2:17
[17] But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, (ESV)
While both were content to use paper and pen (the modern day equivalent of email perhaps), they longed to be face to face with their loved ones. In this season of social distancing, what are some practical ways you can stay relationally connected?
- Texting: Send text messages to your friends, loved ones, and neighbors. Ask them how you can pray for them during this time.
- Facetime/Skype/Zoom: Schedule a time to use a video-conferencing software like Facetime or Skype to talk with someone in your church, neighborhood, or class.
- Mail: Take a moment and write a letter or card for a loved one or neighbor. Spend some time creating artwork for them to hang on their refrigerator.
- Go on a walk and deliver a package: Take your family on a walk or your pet for a walk, and leave something on their doorstep. It could be a baked good or a notecard. Use some of your children’s sidewalk chalk and leave fun messages and artwork on their driveway (as long as your neighbor would be okay with this J)
- Pray: Make a prayer list or journal and consider people who are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Think about the elderly and other communities whose livelihood is adversely affected by this pandemic and pray for them.
- Host a group chat or video conference: Pull together a few friends or people from your neighborhood for a video hang out. Maybe you can show of your latest dance moves or read a chapter of a book together or share some artwork you’ve created.
- Do a drive-by: Gather everyone up in your vehicle and take your family for a ride. Go by a loved one’s house, call them, and let them know you’re outside. When they come out (make sure there’s 6 feet between you J), say hello, sing a song, or let them know you’re thinking about them.
- Facilitate a group competition: Make a goal, create a challenge, etc. and gather some friends together remotely to work on the challenge together. Do daily check ins to see how each other is doing. Perhaps it’s reading a book together, or going on a walk, or something wellness related.
Remember that in the midst of this season of hardship and uncertainty, that part of our Christian hope is that we can be confident that we are headed toward a forever season of being together with all of God’s family. Every practice we engage in that helps us stay relationally connected during a season of social distancing prepares us for our forever home where all of God’s redeemed will gather!
Excerpts from Practicing Spiritual Connecting While Social Distancing by Bob Kellemen
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we’re all learning about “social distancing.” However, social distancing does not and should not mean social isolation.
In fact, if we are creative, we can do authentic ministry from a distance.
Let’s all practice spiritual connecting even while social distancing.
Some Practical Suggestions for Practicing Spiritual Connecting While Social Distancing
- Email, Text, and Even Write a Letter
Letter writing? Does anyone still do that? Letter writing is so powerful because it’s so uncommon. Don’t like letter writing? Can’t do cursive? Send an email or a text. Connect to people with words—like Paul and Luther did.
- Use Video Conferencing Technology: For Family, For Church Services, For Small Groups
Our life group met Wednesday evening via Zoom. Did it take a few minutes to get used to? Of course. But after a bit, it became one of our more intense and intimate group meetings. I’m sure some of that is because of the times we’re living in. But much of that was because our two leaders (shout out to Lloyd and John) both modeled Paul-like and Luther-like ministry from a distance. We shared out hearts together, we read and studied Scriptures together, we had an extended time of prayer together—from a distance.
When your church live-streams your Sunday service, join in. Sing at home. Pray when your pastor prays. Open your Bible (or Bible app). Take notes.
Facetime with your family members.
Mentor, supervise, counsel.
Share one-another ministry with a friend.
- Minister Via Social Media
Send a private Facebook message of encouragement. Tweet a link to helpful resources. Post a Scripture verse. Ask for prayer. Ask people how you can be praying for them. Here’s something I recently posted on my Facebook page:
How could I pray for you? During this time of social distancing, I don’t want us to be socially isolated. Are there ways I can be praying for you—my Facebook friends? If so, feel free to Private Message me. Or, if you would like others to see your prayer request and be praying for you, feel free to post on this feed. I’ll start. Here’s one way you could be praying for Shirley and me… (I shared a current prayer request).
- Call
My parents are 90 and 89. Facetime scares them. But they LOVE phone calls.
- Learn People’s Preferred “Communication Language”
People talk sometime about “love languages.” We should learn to adjust to other people’s preferred communication language. As I mentioned above, Facetime with my Mom causes her stress trying to figure it all out. So, I adjust. Some people will never respond to an email, but they will jump on a text string in a split second. Be all things to all people that by all means you might minister to some.
5 Ways to Pursue Community While Social Distancing
The following additional suggestions come from a reader of RPM’s Truth and Love blog, Hannah Carr.
- Use Facebook Groups, Zoom, WebEx, etc. for Interactive Teachings, a Book Study, or Small Groups
A moderated group format is ideal so folks can daily post prayer requests, things that make them laugh, encouraging truths, needs, tips for schooling at home, etc. Jointly pick a book and have an online discussion. Publishers such as Crossway are allowing public readings of their materials so long as all the credits are given (such as author, illustrator, etc.). Contact each publisher for details.
- Organize Online Devotions/Devotionals
Include questions to discuss and prayer prompts, match folks together to pray, and memorize Scripture together. Have folks share their testimony live.
- Match People Who Live Alone to a Group of 3-to-4 People
No matter the age, anyone who lives alone can easily spiral from all of the anxiety and loneliness. Be proactive in engaging them and making sure they don’t feel forgotten. Check in on them via phone, text, or video chat. Pray with them. As part of this, make a list of at-risk people. This can include anyone who lives alone, or someone who already struggles with loneliness, depression, or chronic illness. Make sure they are checked in with daily.
- Brainstorm Proactive Plans for Benevolent Care
Those whose jobs are closed for the next 8-10 weeks (or lost) will soon face real financial hardships. From Acts 2 onward, the church has stepped up to meet financial needs.
- Organize Childcare
If allowed depending on “shelter-at-home” regulations, see if those in low-risk categories can potentially provide childcare for those who must go into work when school or childcare is cancelled.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together