Changes for Pastors during the Pandemic

Churches around the United States have been forced to close their doors out of concern for the coronavirus.

30th.

If unsafe to host in-person ceremonies in july, each school will host a virtual ceremony instead.

Churches around the country.... have closed their doors... to help stop the spread of covid-19.

41nbc's peyton lewis ... shows us how pastors are also impacted by this virus outbreak.

Locator 0:11- 0:26 1:22-1:25 congregations are adjusting to a new kind of church gathering.

Lakeside church in eastman, streams its sunday service online.

Pastor tyler kirkley says it has been a big adjustment.

"it feels awkward in the beginning.

You're staring at a camera lens and you're looking out and i'm thankful that we have pictures in the room of some of our congregates here that comfort me.

But i miss my people so much it's so lonely."

Pastor kirkley has been a pastor for 5 years.

He says it's been difficult to adjust to the changes.

So to combat some of the awkwardness of preaching to an empty building, kirkley says a member of his congregation has printed out photos of families who attend church.

He says seeing the familiar faces is nice, but it still leaves him to wonder.

"i know what it's like for any pastor who loves their sheep, i can look out there and see the images of some of those people and then i see the people that are not here and i wonder who would've come to church today.

" although his church family cannot physically be together on sunday's, pastor kirkley finds comfort in knowing they're at c1 3 b13 home tuning into the live stream.

He says the church is more than just a