03/20/2020
In light of the new measures taken to enforce social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak, many churches are being forced to readdress what community and unity truly mean for our congregations. The decisions surrounding how to conduct church have not been easy on pastors and church leaders. Daily the numbers and situation are changing, and pastors have to consider new information and adapt. The plans we had 48 hours ago are no longer viable plans.
Certainly, our faith is not marred. Our trust in God is steady. However, there is uncertainty in how we will conduct church moving forward. Should we congregate? Do we limit our numbers? Do we transition to home visits? Do we formulate a “drive-thru” church similar to how schools are handing out resources? Do we cancel and postpone all gatherings until the Executive Orders are lifted? Is the gathering limit applicable to churches in light of the Freedom of Religion?
I think Paul says it best when talking about the believer’s freedom in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24. “’I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ – but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” It is very clear that the greater health benefit for all at this time is to implement social distancing and avoid congregating, but the believer must also consider the greater spiritual benefit to others. Can we experience being the body of Christ if the body has been separated and distanced? Can we still fulfill the Great Commission while being advised to stay home and not interact with others?
Absolutely, and I say this with confidence because of the example that Paul gave the church. Paul was in forced “quarantine,” so to speak, for four years while in prison. Church, as defined in the terms of congregating together, was indefinitely cancelled for Paul. This led Paul to redefine unity and help the churches achieve it. Here are some of the factors that define true unity according to Paul, who wrote to the Ephesians from prison (taken from Ephesians 4):
1. One body (vs. 4) – the body of Christ is capable of change, and change does not mean the work of the body must cease or slow down. You can be the hands and feet of Jesus from home – to your children, to your neighbor. You can virtually check in with your family and friends. You can provide encouragement, spiritual counsel, and prayer from a distance.
2. One Spirit (vs. 4) – sometimes the church forgets we all believe in the same Holy Spirit. During these uncertain times when we cannot physically meet to embrace one another, the Holy Spirit makes his presence known and has no limits.
3. One hope (vs. 4) – we continue to hold onto the same hope we have in Christ. Our hope is not reliant upon our physical gathering. We long for the day that is soon coming when we will all reunite. Until then, much like Paul from prison, we have faith and hold onto one hope for what is to come.
4. One Lord (vs. 5) – do not forget the God we each serve. If we continue to seek Him daily from our homes, we will be in unity for we serve the same God. Take this time as an opportunity to focus on him. Invite him into your home and we all we feel the same community of Christ, despite not being face-to-face.
5. One Faith (vs. 5) – we are united because we all have one faith. Unity is not defined by physical presence. Our faith is what ties us together.
**Our church is called to make a selfless sacrifice at this time. We will cease all services and gatherings, as mandated by the Executive Order of the Governor or Texas until April 4th. In other words, our first reunion will be the day of April 5th. Please remember that the situation with Coronavirus changes daily. If there is a need to further cancel services and gatherings after April 4th, we will make it known to our congregants. In addition, if any one has a need, please make it known so the body of Christ can come together and fulfill it.**
Lastly, please consider that our church still incurs bills while closed. Tithing is an important part of furthering the ministry of the church, and we do not want our church to fall behind during this temporary season as it will set us back when we reopen. Remember what Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” If you would like to give your tithe or an offering, we are working on a secure way to do so online. We will post an update soon.
We love you all and look forward to reuniting soon!
