Church, Six-Feet Apart

Undoubtedly you have witnessed or heard some of the same reports of which I have been made more aware over the past few days. While our government and health officials have discouraged and even ordered against the gathering of groups larger than ten, warning that such gatherings could potentially spread infection of the coronavirus, some pockets of communities have ignored these directives. All the while, there are documented cases in which such refusals of official health orders have led to further outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic in those instances. Most disturbing in these reports are those pastors and churches that have refused to abide by these health directives, all in the name of “religious liberty” and “convictions.” Distorting God’s Word and ignoring the Christian’s command to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1), these pastors are brazenly grandstanding for self-recognition and dangerously placing at risk the very people for which they claim to shepherd. Such a disgraceful display of ignorance causes damage to the cause of the gospel. God will most certainly bring such spiritual misdirection by so called men of God into judgment (2 Peter 2:1-3).

While these rogue pastors may receive the lion’s share of publicity, in reality, most pastors and churches are carefully following the directives of those officials under whose leadership they have been placed. In the same manner that a church would not gather at the warning of a meteorologist giving threat of a severe storm, so church leaders recognize that the coronavirus pandemic must be halted by extreme measures. Rather than an attack on our religious liberty in gathering for worship, or our biblically mandated responsibility in “not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:25), our public gatherings and normal mode for worship must cease for the health of our community. This understood, pastors and their churches are perplexed at how God’s people can effectively minister the gospel in a mode of self-isolation. Thankfully, God has provided technological resources that enable churches to stay connected. Online capabilities allow for the songs of our faith and the preaching of God’s Word to go forth. But we are all languishing with the same reality; virtual gatherings hinder the community of God’s people. While the live-streaming of services is a helpful asset for one incapable of attendance, it is a weak substitution for the regular togetherness that God intends.

The past several weeks of social distance living have amply solidified why God places such a high value upon the regular meeting together of God’s people. From the very creation of humanity God marked the principle that it is not good for any of us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). More than a location, a particular setting, or even certain tradition, the church is the people of God, coming together for worship, edification, and mutual service. Since we have been forced to be separated for some time due to health concerns, we have come to understand why our regular meeting together (in person) is so valuable.

1. The gospel is not virtual, but actual.

When God chose to first communicate with mankind, it was not through some impersonal or distant means. He walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve. He sent prophets who had spoken with Him face to face. He used tools of communication which would be personal to the hearers. Finally, when God would communicate to us in His last and best way, He would do so in flesh (John 1:14-18; Hebrews 1:1-2). God made us to know Him personally, and He intends to use us to make Him known in a personal manner.

2. Mutual accountability and edification cannot be created; it must be shared.

While the livestreaming of services is an asset during this pandemic, worship was never intended to be experienced in isolation. Handshakes, hugs, and other human interaction will only suffice for God’s people who are instructed to rebuke, encourage, and admonish in the truth. Rather than manufacturing a playset of songs or sermons, worship is more about the community of God’s people connecting with each other “for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Since, in Christ, each of us has been gifted for service in the church, we must meet together, give together, and serve together so that these gifts can be actualized.

3. The isolated among us must be included.

While our current state of social distancing is discouraging to us all, it is only brief. We will soon move beyond this pandemic and return to our social gatherings. We will gather again for church in person. However, for many in our culture, isolation is a standard of living which all too common. Due to failing health, social disconnection, or even the changing of a family dynamic, many in our community are not connected to the local church. Of course, many choose not to do so. But there are many who might come if invited. There are others who would most certainly be encouraged by being included, even if they cannot regularly attend. Jesus claimed that when we made such efforts to minister to the isolated, we are in fact showing love to Him (Matthew 25:35-40).

Like you, I longingly anticipate the ending of social distancing. I have come to appreciate even more so our times of gathering. When it is safe to do so again, may we give thanks to God for such a gift as His people. And may we not forget the reasons why we gather.

Jason