LUTTRELL, Tenn. — Churches are finding ways to worship from a safe distance. Many do online streams and some opt for a "drive-in" style service.
While it's not what the members are used to, this style of sermon makes churchgoers feel connected even while keeping their distance.
At New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Luttrell, Tennessee, the parking lot is the sanctuary holding a congregation of cars.
Member and youth pastor Lucas Nicely said the "porch preaching" is their way of staying connected in faith.
"We have singing, preaching, just like a regular service. It's just all outdoors," Nicely explained. "It's our best solution to the social distancing to still get to worship with one another."
Each car rolled up and parked on Sunday to hear the pastor preach on the porch while at a safe distance.
"It amazes me that people love the word of God so much that they would come and want to hear from their vehicles," Pastor Bob Zavattieri said.
For church members, like 90-year-old Janette Goins, it's a solution she's willing to try out.
"We enjoy it," Goins said. "We had service last Sunday and it will continue as long as the germs are out."
The churchgoers believe by worshiping through their windshields, God is in the driver's seat.
"Nothing's too big for God! He's in control," Pastor Zavattieri said during his sermon.
The service is also broadcast on Facebook Live to cast a larger net.
"We usually have about 50 to 60 for Sunday School and then a hundred for regular service on a good day, so the 3,000 people watching on Facebook is a large number for us," Nicely admitted.
But, they're hoping eventually they can trade their passenger seats for pews.
"So far so good, but we hope how soon it's over with," Goins said. "So we can get back in our church and our fellowship."
With the pandemic in the rearview.
The church plans to continue the Sunday porch preaching services until the pandemic slows down. The service starts at 11 a.m. at 928 Bull Run Rd. Luttrell, Tennessee 37779.