The big question of 2020 has been: how do we conduct socially distant ministry?

Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, infectious disease expert and executive director of Healthcare Ready, says it comes down to separating our regular practices from what is safe and best for the community. In other words, the people we might normally liaise with in ministry might be exactly the people we should avoid.

In this video, Dr. Louissaint shares what churches need to know about the practical public health realities of coronavirus and how to safely and compassionately respond. Using examples from her expertise gained during the HIV and ebola crises, and practices her own church has been using this year, Dr. Louissaint counsels church leaders on how to approach ministry both virtually and practically. With holidays coming up and ministries anxious to meet community needs, watch this video for tips on safely conducting food drives and even sacraments.

This video is part of the COVID-19 Church Online Summit, presented by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and the National Association of Evangelicals.

Nicolette A. Louissaint, PhD, serves as executive director and president of Healthcare Ready, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on strengthening the United States’ healthcare supply chain preparedness and response before, during and after natural disasters and disease pandemics. She has served in senior roles at the State Department and FEMA. Follow Dr. Louissaint on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DrNLouissaint.