At a time when some are relying more than ever on their religious faith to navigate uncertain, frightening times, churches are closed amid COVID-19 social distancing measures and most local congregations find themselves without their usual weekly gatherings.

As a result, churches are reaching out via the web, phone lines and doing everything they can to tend to their flocks during a time of crisis.

The Daily World reached out to Pastor Kent Gravley of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam to see how his congregation was coping with the changes, and he offers some spiritual advice in the face of uncertainty.

You must be talking to a lot of parishioners who are scared and uncertain. What are those conversations like and what are you telling people to help them through this?

​Pastor Gravley: “Certainly, these are uncharted waters that seem almost overwhelming at times. As I listen to people share their questions, their opinions, their fears, etc. I believe helping direct them to God to be my greatest responsibility. God is the One who can give them strength and the power to endure. I encourage them to remember that God loves each of us and has demonstrated that by sending His Son to die for our sins. So even in the midst of fear and loss, I am strengthened by the assurance of God’s genuine love for me. We are also seeking to encourage people by sharing Scripture that helps us view life from God’s perspective. Scripture becomes so important during crisis. And finally, I encourage people to trust God’s Holy Spirit to show up with strength and opportunities to serve or to be served.”

At a time when it would give people strength to gather together at church, that’s not possible. How is your church dealing with that? ​

Pastor Gravley: “We are missing that, even after just one week ‘shut in.’ Our church has small groups, with the brothers and sisters in Christ checking on one another. We have divided the church into ‘shepherding groups’ among our elders and deacons, and the leaders are contacting these people periodically just to stay in touch and see how folks are doing. We are live streaming our Sunday worship ministry. And we are trying to have frequent and consistent communication within the church by Facebook, emails, and our website.”

Are you finding ways to minister and practice social distancing at the same time. What do you do if a member is in need of in-person spiritual advice? ​

Pastor Gravley: “The phone is a great tool. Some people don’t like the phone, I enjoy the phone, and have had some very meaningful conversations with people. We are particularly giving attention to our older community and those with medical issues, to ensure their needs are being met. We have a list of these people and others who have volunteered to help as needed, such as grocery runs.”

“All hands on deck” is a phrase that gets used a lot lately. How is that playing out in your congregation? ​

Pastor Gravley: “My associate Bill Brown has been a huge help in the technology end of things and overall wisdom and perspective. Our administrative assistant, Deb Carlisle, continues to faithfully serve. The elders and deacons in our church have met for strategy and decision making and have sacrificially shared of their time and skills in many ways.”

Your faith has prepared you for a lot of things, but none of us has seen anything quite like this. What resources are you drawing upon for yourself and how are you coping with all this? ​​​

Pastor Gravley: “Scripture is one of the greatest sources of strength and perspective at this time. I need it to be balanced in my response to life.

“I have deeply appreciated how many of the people in our church have asked me how I am doing. Many have assured me of their prayers for me during this time. That is so encouraging and meaningful.

“A number of the area pastors are sharing information with one another, strategies, ideas, etc.

“I also benefit from the insights of others who have walked with God through adversity such as Charles Stanley, Luis Palau, David Jeremiah, D.A. Carson, and Tim Keller.

“My wife, Jan, is understanding and supportive in demanding times. I value her insight and trust in God.

​”Finally, my heavenly Father, encourages my soul and reminds me that He will give us the strength to endure.”