Pandemic Flu Plan for the Church

A pandemic occurs when a new virus appears to which humans have no immunity. The result of a lethal virus can be devastating with wide spread, serious illness and high mortality rates. World health officials are currently watching several such viruses that could develop into such a catastrophe. Although It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it will be; it is known that if such a deadly outbreak were to occur – every person around the globe would be at risk.

Such a pandemic described occurred in 1918. This influenza pandemic spanned eighteen months, coming in three waves of devastation, resulting in high levels of illness and death. Throughout the world there was great social disruption and economic loss. It has been estimated that as many as 50 million people worldwide died during this outbreak. Today, if such a pandemic were to take place, it would have an even greater impact.

With so many people becoming seriously ill at the same time, all sectors of society would be affected. Healthcare facilities would be overwhelmed; businesses, schools, and churches would be closed; fuel would be scarce; and store shelves would be empty due to the lack of delivery services. Basic public services such as police, fire, emergency medical services, and transportation would also be interrupted. Everyday life, and our entire society would be greatly disrupted by such a cataclysmic event.

In the event of such a pandemic the government will put into practice mitigation plans to prevent further spread of a disease. These mitigations called Social Distancing are intended to reduce contact between people, therefore reduce the potential to spread the disease. These strategies are what will play an essential role in mitigating the impact of a pandemic. Such interventions include the closing of schools, theaters, public gathering places, and churches. Services and meetings will be prohibited, and the normal practices of the Church will be greatly affected.

In addition to the effects on individuals and the Church the healthcare system would be overwhelmed. At present, the nation’s healthcare system functions at full capacity under normal conditions. As well as a shortage of space and supplies, a shortage of personnel would also add to the disaster.

During the 1918 influenza pandemic, there are many stories of those risking their lives to minister to others. As wells as the healthcare system being overwhelmed, the number of workers was depleted. In many areas there was a call for the help of volunteers. In addition to working in the hospitals, they were assigned to visit the homes of those who were sick. It was determined that many people were dying from the influenza because they did not have even the basic essentials of care. The result of the efforts of volunteers and neighbors visiting the sick were that there was a decline in death rates and the level of serious cases. There are numerous testimonies of survivors who attest their survival to a neighbor who courageously and tirelessly visited the sick throughout their community and provided food and basic, fundamental care.

As demonstrated throughout church history and modern day disasters, there are many examples of those who sacrificially cared for the sick and injured in times of disasters and plagues. In so doing they were given the opportunity to encourage their neighbors and share the reason for their hope in Christ Jesus; furthering the Kingdom through the disaster.

The purpose of writing this Pandemic Plan for the Church is to encourage the body of Christ to prepare for such an event, or other disasters like it. By preparing and equipping the saints for such a work of service, we would be enabled to minister to the community in a time of crisis. In so doing, be positioned to bring the gospel of our Lord Jesus into the catastrophe.

The first section of this plan contains information on the circulating viruses that world health officials have been watching for several years. These include the H5N1, H7N9, MERS, and Ebola. Included is information about viruses, their ability to mutate, and why these particular viruses are so deadly, in addition to the current status of each.

The second section provides recommendations to prepare both individually, and as a Church body; regardless of the size of your congregation. These include how to partner with your local health department, disseminating information, pre-identifying vulnerable people, stocking of food and supplies, and even ministering to a congregation if services are prohibited.

In addition, churches have an advantage to most buildings in a community. While all church facilities consist of a sanctuary, many have a fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms and possibly a gymnasium. But what is more significant than other buildings – churches have members who are not only willing to help in a crisis; they carry in them the Holy Spirit. Therefore, much of this plan focuses on setting up your church as an alternative care facility (ACF) in order to come beside an overwhelmed healthcare community. Some of the strategies and guidelines include: a site layout; triaging patients; proper record keeping; Incident Command Management; and caring for your staff and volunteers, as well as a hurting community. It contains valuable information on how to care for the sick, and the current recommendations for personal precautions necessary to prevent acquiring the disease. Other sections include material on: infection control; disinfecting surfaces; proper disposal of waste; and even burying the dead.

The purpose of this plan is to help the Church prepare for such a disaster event in order to be positioned to minister to the community during a crisis. This positioning would enable the Church to share the gospel with those who are hurting. The final section of this plan contains the Gospel message and practical tips in sharing the hope of Jesus; allowing His Bride to be a light during a dark time.