Because of COVID-19 in the U.S., remote work is being done by almost every industry. The same goes for ministries which are relying on remote workers now more than ever. However, starting a telecare ministry is a bigger undertaking than many remote jobs. For instance, special events like a First Communion or devotion sessions require a bit more thought and planning.

If you're able to handle the remote work aspect and help your church supply the good word to all of your clergy members, here's what you need to know.

1. Your supplies come first.

While you've probably relied on church supply companies to acquire bibles, crosses, crucifixes, and candles, some of these items aren't going to be as helpful when it comes to remote ministry. Though you'll still want supplies for the sacraments and seasonal celebrations, you're potentially going to be conducting most - if not all - of your services remotely. This means you'll want to browse the catalog and online bulletins for items that can help you and your remote workers follow best practices. While Advent candles and communion supplies haven't lost their importance, they're simply much harder to weave into your new remote position.

2. Set up strong lines of communication.

In this remote position, you're going to feel a lot like you're managing a call center team without the call center environment. Whether you're handling incoming calls, making outbound calls to help boost clergy morale, or you're coordinating with your remote managers over phone calls, chat and Slack, you're going to need to start thinking like a call center representative. You're managing a remote team, remote employees, and remote clergy members. To boost your outreach efforts (and to help callers during inbound calls), you may want to consider remote call center software. While you won't be operating quite like a call center or customer service team, per se, you still need that customer service mindset. Contact center software can help greatly.

By setting up a virtual call center, you're finding a great way to connect with your clergy members, provide "customer support" to those in need, and boost retention. It's one of the best ways to keep everyone in the loop. You'll likely need to appoint a few remote agents as supervisors who can help screen applicants, handle the purchase of church goods, and conduct outreach. With so many pros and so few cons, call center software is the way to go. Just make sure you have a remote call center agent who can handle technical support from time to time.

3. Rethink your structure.

Now that you've purchased clergy apparel and vestments and are set up with your contact center, it's time to think of just how your telecare ministry should function. Do you conduct meetings through your call center? Do you set up Zoom links that are coordinated by your center agents? This is where you'll start to spot some weaknesses in your plans. You need to address these in a timely manner. By having a proper structure in place, it shows that you've crafted a clear vision for how your ministry will proceed.

If you don't want to rely on your call center or don't think you can coordinate the metrics and logistics of Zoom meetings, you could consider self-guided ministry activities. You could then have your remote call center agents coordinate special group calls or appointments that are more personalized to each member that's participating. It's up to you to determine what will work best.

While starting a telecare ministry can feel like a remote job, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By getting the best price on supplies and setting up your remote call center, you're making it that much more likely that your ministry will succeed.