Over the past few weeks, churches have moved their religious gatherings online.
Redefining the terms “church” and “worship”, religious leaders are implementing creative ways to deliver their message and connect with church members.
Second Calvary Baptist Church has encouraged its members to show off their church outfits with the social media campaign, #2CalCLT.
“Our leaders have been creative by asking members to take selfies while viewing our virtual services,” said Dr. Ralph McCormick, senior pastor of Second Calvary Baptist Church.
The campaign includes different dress themes where members can send their selfies to a designated email which are then posted on the church’s Facebook page.
The first week started with members wearing their Second Calvary “2Cal” T-shirts, and last week members were asked to wear their “Sunday’s best” attire for Easter.
2CAL dressed in our "Sunday's Best" as we tuned in virtually for our worship experience this morning. Easter Sunday! He is Risen! #2CAL "Sunday's Best" Challenge
Posted by Second Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday, April 12, 2020
The selfie challenge is just one of several methods the church is using to keep its congregation connected since the coronavirus outbreak.
“It [coronavirus outbreak] has caused us to find other means of staying connected, rather than the traditional manner of worship,” said McCormick. “The first Sunday following the shelter-in-place order, I readjusted the foyer of my home, and preached from there.”
In addition to its weekly online sermons and social media campaigns, the church has also added a youth curriculum to its website so parents can teach certain lessons to their children.
To help its members with a smooth transition to worshiping digitally, Second Calvary provided them with instructional material on navigating its digital platforms.
“Our media ministry has created some instructional videos demonstrating how to access our Facebook Page [and] YouTube channel, as well as how to install our church’s mobile app,” said McCormick.
When asked what his hope is for the community during this pandemic, McCormick said, “I hope that through this crisis, there is a renewed love and appreciation for humanity and the various facets of it.”
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Sinead Taylor, WSOC-TV community affairs specialist, at Sinead.Taylor@wsoc-tv.com.
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