By: Tori Boatner
WEST POINT, Miss (Take 30 News) --Mississippi is in a state of emergency and closures are happening everywhere including schools, universities, and even churches. One West Point church is relying on different delivery methods to continue their ministry.
The pastor of First Baptist in West Point has called off all in-person Sunday services and other worship opportunities until further notice.
This is due to the growing spread of the coronavirus.
Dale Funderburg who serves as pastor said this was a tough decision to make.
“I’ve been a pastor for 38 years and I never thought I would tell people not to come to church, but I felt like that was the right thing to do,” Funderberg said.
This all came after Governor Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency for Mississippi on March 14 in order to limit the spread of the virus.
“Stay away from large gatherings,” Reeves said. “That means sports and even church. I'm asking churches not to hold large in-person services in the morning; you can worship from home.”
Funderburg said he will do everything to ensure the safety of his members.
“We want to comply with the things that are right and of sound judgement, but also just looking out for the interest of our older folks...we knew those were gonna be the most affected this COVID-19,” Funderburg said.
Because congregations are not allowed to meet at this time, Funderburg said he has been using other methods of delivery to reach his members.
Many church doors are locked due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, but the pastor of this local church said he’s doing other things to deliver his message.
“It’s kinda different, but technology makes things that I never would have dreamed available, so it’s a blessing,” Funderburg said.
Since the State of Emergency, First Baptist has been streaming live on Facebook and through their subscription on myMS.
One member of First Baptist said she is hopeful that virtual church services won’t last forever.
“We are all in prayer that this is not going to last very long and that we can get back into attending physically,” Myra Duncan said.
According to the pastor, none of his members have been affected by the virus, but he plans to continue services online until the state of emergency is lifted.