Bringing Bible Study Back Post COVID: How to Stay Safe

The COVID-19 pandemic left us lost in so many facets of our day-to-day life, even from our faith journey as Christians. We were unable to attend mass in person, convene for meetings with fellow parishioners, or receive the host. As Coronavirus restrictions are now being loosened in some parts of the United States, churches are able to host gatherings again. However, people are still left wondering how to achieve religious fulfillment among fellow worshippers, while remaining wary of the virus itself.

Here are some ideas for bringing Bible study back, while you maintain comfortable safety measures to combat COVID-19.

Maintaining Group Size

For months, Disciple Bible Study groups have been holding Zoom meetings, but screen fatigue is definitely setting in. Depending on restrictions for your local church based on government ordinances, it is now considered acceptable for venues to host small groups, with different numbers allowed indoors and outdoors. This change in location can actually bring excitement for groups that have been online for so long, like a socially distanced meeting in a park.

It is important to consider deciding on specific amounts of text for each reading group, and possibly varying the number of sessions to provide for equal time for people to immerse themselves in Bible study.

Studying Scripture and the teachings of Jesus Christ during this COVID-19 crisis could be difficult for people who are now readjusting to having a busy schedule once again. Beyond scheduled sessions, discipleship and devoted time to God’s word can also be conducted through hybrid sessions for people who may not be prepared to bring themselves into the fold with other parishioners in person just yet.

Emphasizing Hygiene

Mask up — plain and simple. Whether you are devoting your Disciple Bible Study to the teachings of Genesis or placing an emphasis on the New Testament, masks have proven to be the way to communicate our thoughts while protecting each other from the coronavirus.

Beyond proper face coverings and social distancing, it is important to encourage your bible study group to practice healthy hygiene habits. Be sure to encourage your fellow congregants to frequently wash their hands, or utilize hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol as part of their everyday protective measures.

With social distancing, speakers can properly and safety remove masks to voice their thoughts, but be prepared to insist that those who are speaking practice proper habits in the event of a cough or sneeze. Encourage them to sneeze or cough into a tissue or use the inside of their elbow.

Being Prepared For Emergencies

In the event of medical emergencies, it is good to have your fellow study group members be vigilant and prepared to address the situation. Online CPR certification for healthcare providers is accessible through health care providers and through an easy learning format to allow anyone to learn the proper protocols to provide life-saving assistance.

Online CPR courses provide an alternative to in-person classes in this pandemic, but still provides all of the important details of CPR training. Live action videos instruct students on current Emergency Cardiovascular Care, or ECC, guidelines as promoted by the American Heart Association. Live-action video and training is administered by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA trained instructors, that make even a first-time student feel at ease with a relaxed learning atmosphere.

First aid and CPR certification is achieving through interactive computer sessions that will allow for some peace of mind the next time you find yourself in a group discussion, and a medical emergency occurs. The benefits of online CPR training are numerous, and any uncertainty is taken in from personal instructors who assure your preparedness to administer life-saving treatment.