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The first case of coronavirus in the U.S. was confirmed on Jan. 22. Now, just two months later, the ferocious virus has invaded all 50 states and upended our entire way of
life.
As of this morning (March 27) there are more than 560,000 cases of Covid-19 worldwide and more than 25,000 deaths. Here in the U.S., we have more than 92,000 confirmed cases and almost 1,400 deaths!
Yesterday the United States surpassed China (81,000 reported cases as of today) for having the most confirmed cases of coronavirus of any country in the
world.
What a staggering challenge this pandemic poses to the Church of Jesus Christ! All Christians, from everyday believers to pastors and leaders to churches and ministries, are being
forced to make impossible decisions and develop new strategies to address the needs of our own families, churches, and communities.
Pastor, I know your time is more precious than ever right now, so I will keep this short. But as your Christian brother who has weathered a few storms during seven decades of
sojourning, please let me share three important thoughts with you.
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(1) The world needs you and your church now more than ever!
People all around us are fearful of disease,
death, joblessness, isolation, and loneliness. People who have put their faith in jobs, savings, and good health are discovering just how undependable such things are.
The church has always been a stabilizing force in
America. In every crisis, people find refuge and hope in the church. Many people are drawn closer to God during times like these. Where else can people turn to find true hope and peace and
everlasting life? Right now the world needs you and your church more than ever.
(2) Be the church, now more than ever!
If you had asked me a few months ago if churches
would close their doors in a time of crisis, I would have answered “No way!” But here we are. In many parts of the country, the government has forbidden gatherings of 10 or more people. Even where
such orders are not in force, we still must consider the effect on our church families and our Christian witness if we contribute to the spread of this deadly virus.
However, no virus can prevent us from
being the church! The Church of Jesus Christ is not made of brick and mortar. If we can’t gather together in the comfort of our pews and padded chairs, we must find new ways to worship
together and encourage each other and reach out to the world.
This is the 21st century. The Lord has given us
telephones, emails, text messaging, Facebook, livestreaming, and videoconferencing. Pastor, be ambitious. Be creative. Seize the moment. Times like these knock us out of our comfort zones and force
to evaluate what it really means to be a church. Since the beginning, God has used times of adversity to keep His people fresh and sharp and
growing.
(3) Don’t get discouraged, now more than
ever!
Let’s face it, things are going to get worse
before they get better. Shutdowns and sheltering at home may last for many more weeks or months. But the Lord will see us through this tough time, and we will emerge victorious if we keep our faith
in Him.
Some pastors rise to such occasions with faith and
spiritual leadership, and some fall to the sidelines in discouragement and fear. Which group do you want to be in? Please keep trusting God to lead the way for you and your church, and then follow
His lead. “You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me.” (Psalm 73:23-24)
I was visiting with a pastor recently who posed
the question, “What would Jesus be doing?” I believe Jesus would be telling people, “Fear not, I will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut 31:6). He would be declaring, “Peace I leave
with you, my peace I give unto you. ... Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
Pastor, if you need a friend to turn to for a
confidential discussion about the fears and frustrations you are going through right now, please reach out to Pastoral Care Inc., 918-758-4147, jfuller@pastoralcareinc.org.
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