Gov. Asa Hutchinson excepted churches from his rules limiting activities with groups of people, but has encouraged them to look for “creative” ways to continue worship safely.
The Awaken Church in Jonesboro announced it was keeping its doors open. It says to close doors would go against the power of God to protect and heal.
No go, says the governor. : The Democrat-Gazette reports the governor will order the church to stop. The Awaken pastor then told the D-G he would cease meetings if the state issued an order. No mention was made about this Sunday on the church’s website Saturday morning, but it was advertising a drive-in service on Easter.
The church had gotten attention nationwide for continuing to hold in-person services.
NEA Report had the story. It noted Pastor Chad Gonzales Facebook post that Jesus had COVID-19.
NEA Report had reported the church doors would remain open this weekend though most members are watching online. The church also was encouraging the elderly and those with health issues to watch online.
It said this earlier this week: