July 19, 2020

In a twenty-two minute address televised throughout the state of Ohio on July 15, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine has requested that all Ohioans wear masks when in public, and at public gatherings, due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.

Though many have chosen to make this a political issue, we here at Victory Church will not. I believe biblically that there is a God-ordained authority placed over us and that it is our responsibility to live under that authority, except as it may be in conflict with God’s Word. Though the Governor’s emergency proclamations have language that exempt us because we are a church, we do not believe that wearing a face mask conflicts with God’s law, and therefore have chosen to partner with the Governor in his implementations. I and the leadership feel that we need to be a strong witness to our community in this area.

Therefore, starting July 22, anyone who attends our in-person services will be required to wear a mask while in the building, and we even ask that they wear it during our time of singing together. When seated and not singing, you are free to remove your mask until such time as you get up to move around or leave. Wearing a mask is a small price to pay if it turns out that it actually helps slow the spread of the virus that has already cost the lives of over 140,000 of our fellow Americans. We believe that it is imperative for us to be a part of our society’s response to this virus that, at best, will be serious for the most vulnerable, and, at worst, could even put more people at risk by creating a severe and sudden spike in demand on our health care system. Loving our neighbors compels us to join our nation’s extraordinary efforts to minimize contact between people in order to slow the spread of this virus and “flatten the curve” of the pandemic.

Thanks for being respectful and willing to follow these directives – we truly appreciate you and your partnership in fulfilling the mission and vision of our church as we continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples for the kingdom of God.

Should you be uncomfortable with wearing a mask or are unable to wear a mask, we recommend that you stay home and take advantage of our online services that we provide weekly. If you attend our service and don’t have a mask, we will provide you with a complimentary mask as you enter the doors. Children ages 7 and under will not be required to wear a mask.


Pastor Bryan Robles
Pastor Scott Robles