Since March 2020, all of us have been trying to figure out how to live and work amid a global pandemic. For Reliant, our top priority is to support our missionaries as they do ministry in this new environment. It is also very important that we ensure the safety of missionaries and staff during these unprecedented times. We recognize that each local context is very different, often facing challenges and questions unique to your church or city.  Through all of this, we will work closely with you and local leadership. We will be updating this page as more information becomes available. Be sure to check back regularly.

General Guidelines

• Please follow all local, state, and school-system guidelines.
• Decisions about a church’s public worship service or other gatherings should be made by each church’s Elder Board.
• If your job duties allow it, continue to work from home as much as possible.  Consider using telephone and video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings.
• Should you or a direct family member exhibit any potential symptoms, do not report for work. Abide by any local health guidelines, and follow the notification process for Reliant HR outlined below.
• If you encounter any personal financial hardship related to the Coronavirus or local governmental decision, please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.
• If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Notification Process for Reliant HR

We have created a new inbox to use for Coronavirus issues/approvals that require HR oversight: notifyhr@reliant.org. Instructions for proper use are below. All information regarding the health of an employee or employee’s family member will be kept confidential.

Staff should send an email to notifyhr@reliant.org if they:

• Have or suspect they have contracted the Coronavirus/COVID-19
• Have a close family member or member of their household who has or is suspected to have contracted the Coronavirus/COVID-19 

Travel Policies for International Travel

• Domestic missionaries traveling abroad for work/ministry - prohibited without prior written approval from Reliant (submit to notifyhr@reliant.org)
• International missionaries being released to assignment for work/ministry abroad - see International Checklist 
• International missionaries desiring to travel to other destinations - work with your Reliant Program Lead who will coordinate with Legal and HR

Travel Policies for Travel with the U.S.

For all work/ministry-related travel, whether by car, plane, or other mode of transportation, that takes you outside of your usual ministry context (e.g. where you may travel to during your routine day-to-day duties), the following steps need to take place:

1. Review all state and local health and travel guidelines of destination as well as your local jurisdiction
   • Click here for list of state health department websites and here for directory of local health departments
   • Check for quarantine travel advisories for your destination and for when you return to your state/city
2. Complete this COVID-19 Travel Notification Form (link to google sheet that doesn't exist yet)
3. Request approval from local supervisor and Reliant Program Lead (instructions are on notification form)
4. Share form with notifyHR@reliant.org.

When planning travel, allow enough time to complete the notification process, inform the appropriate people of travel plans, and gain approvals. Any questions regarding this process can be directed to your Program Team or to notifyHR@reliant.org. 

If you do need to cancel a trip, you can find information on reimbursements here. 

Reliant cannot restrict or endorse personal travel, it is a personal decision for each individual to make. We do request that you review the CDC's website for information on both international and domestic travel.

PTO Policies

You may have heard about the FFCRA that was passed in Congress in the spring. While much of it doesn’t apply to Reliant both because of our size (over 500 employees) and standing as a religious organization, we want to share how Reliant’s policies during this time period relate to the issues that the legislation is addressing, specifically around family medical leave and paid sick time.

• Reliant will not require you to use PTO if you face a limited ability for work or ministry directly due to the Coronavirus and/or quarantines, self-isolation, or school or childcare closures related to the Coronavirus. However, please coordinate with your local leadership if you are in this position.
• Should you or a direct family member contract the virus, you will not need to use PTO for the illness or its treatment.
• If you have time off of work for personal (non-Coronavirus related) reasons, you will still need to use PTO.

Reliant Solomon Resources

Reimbursement Information

MTD Tips during COVID-19

2020 Federal Actions

Reliant Insurance Information relating to COVID-19

Other Resources

Coronavirus Guide for Churches:

Hygiene Habits to decrease the spread of Coronavirus:

National Institute of Health Updates

CDC Updates

Market Volatility and 401(k) Planning - This a short informational video was created by Reliant's 401(k) Plan Investment Advisor, Michael Clark. If you are concerned about your investment options due to the market changes caused by the pandemic, this video provides helpful information about investing during this time.