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Essential versus non-essential. Over the past few months, these terms have become synonymous in describing those events, places, activities, or gatherings which have ceased or been allowed according to their priority. The use of such terms has become commonplace so as to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Who could have possibly predicted that such a designation would be used to determine those sectors of our society which would remain operational amidst a global pandemic? In most instances, the postponement of events and the temporary closure of certain stores or services has been an inconvenience. However, all of us have become frustrated to some degree at the absurd randomness of these designations. Who could possibly determine what is essential or non-essential, and what standard might they use in this reasoning?
The vast majority of leadership in local churches have operated in full compliance with these measures. In the interest of public health, and in an effort to protect the very congregations over which God has given us charge, we ceased in-person gatherings for a time. We are thankful to our civic leaders who no only sought to protect our communities, but also have relaxed unreasonable restrictions so that many parts of our society, including churches, might again resume their activities. I am thankful for a President who would recognize the absolute necessity of the local church to any community by declaring them officially as “essential”, thereby encouraging all state and local authorities to allow their activities to resume. Of course, we should all remember that the gathering of churches is protected by the Constitution of the United States. Hardware stores, grocery stores, and liquor stores do not enjoy the same protection for which churches are guaranteed in the First Amendment.
In fact, in recorded history, there has never been an occasion in which the church was closed for in-person gatherings in such a complete manner. There have been many occasions, even in the history of our nation, in which public health was endangered by the threat of disease. In all of those instances, churches continued to gather and even to risk their own safety so that the sick could receive ministry and the gospel would continue to be proclaimed. Even in this current pandemic, many churches have courageously and creatively ministered to their communities. When we were not allowed to gather in-person, we have found a myriad of other means by which we could meet together and share the hope of the gospel with our communities. However, all this being true, how is it that the local church could ever possibly be labeled as “non-essential”? The authority of Scripture and the record of human history prove that the church is not just important to the faithful few, but is in fact essential to the very fabric of human culture. The local church is not the invention of an elite structure of society, nor is it simply allowed by any government. It is the charge of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. The only One who can and has conquered death, hell, sin, and every force of evil is the very One who started the local church. The only One to whom all praise belongs and all worship is due is the One who gifts the local churches to any given community (Matthew 16:18). While not exhaustive in its explanation, the following points prove just how and why the local church is most certainly essential.
1. The Church alone is charged with the gospel.
In the midst of this pandemic, we have all become more sensitive to those needs which are so pressing for our survival. While many leisure activities have been postponed, we understand that good health, food, shelter, and the love of family and friends are most important. However, how much more important is the soul (Mark 8:36)?! While any number of human institutions can provide the necessities of this life, the church alone has been charged with the proclamation of the gospel. And if this current health crisis has taught us anything, it is that this life is fleeting. It is most urgent that we make certain the eternal destination of our souls. Whether it be a virus, or some other tragedy, death will come for ever single person. At that moment, only the gospel of Jesus Christ will matter (Romans 1:16). The local church alone has been equipped and empowered for the task of taking the gospel to every person.
2. The Church alone holds out hope to a decaying society.
All of us have watched in horror and disgust as the very fabric of our society has unraveled over the course of the past few days. Most assuredly, we are living in a time in which many “call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). We have watched in disgrace as criminal activity has been celebrated as an expression of freedom, while those who serve and protect for the good have been shamed. While we are appalled at the depravity of our culture, we should not be shocked that it would come to this. Any people that rebels against the commands of Scripture will reap the consequences (Romans 1:18). This is precisely why the local church is most essential. We are to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14) so that our culture might be changed for the good. Since we alone have this truth, the church’s absence from society will certainly spell its doom.
3. The Church alone encourages believers in a wicked culture.
The local church is the body of Christ, the family of God, the people of faith. As the old adage goes, one lump of coal removed from the fire will quickly dissipate. In the same manner, the lone believer in this world will not for long remain faithful. Believers that refuse to gather with a local body will eventually walk away from the faith—this is an unavoidable conclusion. Since we alone are charged with the gospel, and since we alone can by God’s grace preserve our culture, then we must gather so as to encourage one another in these pursuits.
The restrictions against local churches gathering has certainly sparked a deep appreciation and excitement as we are coming together again. Many believers have been reminded of just how essential is the local church. Undoubtedly, there will be some who never return. The break from routine of church attendance has exposed something for which they undoubtedly did not need. We should not fret. “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). But let the faithful be more thankful and emboldened than ever before. The ministry of the local church has never been more needed or more effective than at such a time as this. There is nothing more essential than the local church.
Jason