What Would You Do? Spring 2021

Friday, April 23rd, 2021

You are a leader in a children’s ministry and your current policy is that all staff, volunteers, and congregants wear protective masks during church activities because of COVID-19. This policy was communicated to all staff and volunteers and is posted on your church doors. You have a volunteer that refuses to wear a mask, saying she has health issues and it is also a violation of her personal rights. What do you do?

This is an example of a situation that emphasizes the importance of having policies in place. Because you have a written policy that was shared with volunteers, as well as signs posted in the facility, you can simply point to your policy.

If you believe the person is open to it, you may be able to share with her some guidance from the CDC, such as this. If not, you can simply tell her that you are open to her coming back to serve when your mask policy has been lifted. Alternatively, if you have remote ministry opportunities, you may direct her to serve in that capacity.