The Health and Pandemic Response Policy (POL-HEALTH) establishes guidelines for responding to communicable diseases, serious public health concerns, epidemics, pandemics, and other health-related circumstances that may affect the ministries and activities of 1st Free Will Baptist Church of Park Hills.
The church recognizes both the biblical importance of gathering for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry and its responsibility to care for the health and well-being of its congregation, guests, ministry workers, and community.
This policy provides a framework for responding to health concerns with faith, wisdom, compassion, and responsible stewardship while seeking to preserve the ongoing ministry of the church whenever reasonably possible.
The policy addresses leadership authority, public health considerations, levels of response, temporary ministry adjustments, exposure notifications, privacy, cleaning and sanitation, food service, vulnerable populations, communication, and the restoration of normal church operations.
Policy Code: POL-HEALTH
General Board Approved: May 31, 2026
Original Health & Pandemic Response Policy Adopted: June 30, 2020
Document Status: Official Church Policy
Important Information #
In-person worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry are central to the life of the church and should not be restricted or suspended lightly.
When serious health concerns arise, the Lead Pastor, in consultation with available General Board members, may take temporary action to protect the congregation and maintain ministry. Major decisions should involve consultation with the General Board whenever circumstances permit.
The policy establishes four possible levels of response, ranging from normal operations with increased awareness to temporary suspension of in-person gatherings when circumstances warrant.
Decisions may consider the severity of the health concern, risks to vulnerable individuals, local conditions, applicable legal requirements, public health recommendations, and the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation.
When a credible health exposure concern is connected to church activities, leadership may notify affected individuals or the congregation as appropriate while protecting personal privacy. The policy calls for prompt communication, usually within 24 hours of receiving reliable information about a credible exposure concern.
Temporary adjustments may affect worship gatherings, ministry programs, food service, transportation, facility use, or other church activities. Such measures should be reviewed regularly and discontinued when leadership determines normal operations can responsibly resume.
The goal of this policy is not fear, but faithful stewardship—honoring Christ, caring for people, and continuing the work of ministry as faithfully as possible.
This policy is part of the church’s Policies & Best Practices Manual and is subject to the church’s Constitution and Bylaws.