North Point Community Church To Remain Closed Through The Year

ALPHARETTA, GA — North Point Community Churches announced Monday that it will not resume in-person gatherings through the end of this year.

Pastor Andy Stanley posted a video on Facebook Tuesday saying that based on the uptick of COVID-19 cases, the results of a survey sent to attendees, and the experiences of churches that have already reopened, the church will suspend in-person adult worship services for the remainder of the year.

"Now as you would imagine, that was not a casual decision," Stanley said. "In fact, back in May when we announced a possible Aug. 9 reopening, the COVID numbers were actually moving in the right direction. That has changed. Consequently, we cannot guarantee your safety, and that is a big part of this decision."

Stanley said even if the church did reopen, he does not believe they would be able to create a quality adult or children's worship experience with social distancing protocols in place.

He went on to say one of the things he loves most about the church is that it attracts all kinds of people with different opinions. For some, this decision will make sense to them, and they may even be relieved.

"For others of you, this seems like an unnecessary precaution, perhaps a lack of faith on my part," Stanley said. "You might even interpret this decision through a political filter. And, honestly, I get all of that."

The church followed churches that reopened two or three weeks ago, and that have roughly the same size following. Between North Point's seven church locations across metro Atlanta, it sees more than 30,000 worshipers a week.

"If we open and a volunteer, child, student or adult attends any of our environments and tests positive after the fact, we're responsible for doing all the contact tracing," Stanley said. "That would be the right thing to do and the responsible thing to do. But that would be pretty much an impossible thing to do. If you've been part of any of our churches for any period of time, you can imagine how difficult, and next to impossible that would be."

That is one of several unforeseen factors other churches are running into, he said.

"The truth is, I actually have a lot of faith," Stanley said. "In face, I have so much faith that the church and our local churches will not only survive this, but I think ultimately will thrive as a result. Besides, as you've heard me say on many occasions, we are the church. Whether we gather in circles in driveways, in the church parking lot, or online in our homes, the church will be fine. We'll continue to meet other people's needs and serve the community."

North Point will update its online experiences for all, and will create a strategy for limited physical gatherings, as well. To keep informed, Stanley said to sign up for the church newsletter.

North Point Community Church has locations in Alpharetta, Cumming, Buckhead, Decatur, Gwinnett in Hamilton Mill, Gwinnett in Sugar Hill and Woodstock.