Yesterday we tried a new experiment: virtual church. For a variety of reasons, we decided to originate it from my home instead of me driving to one of the church buildings. It certainly wasn’t just like a face-to-face church service, but we connected.
One of the fringe benefits has become immediately obvious. Several church members have been in involuntary “social distancing” for weeks and months because of various medical challenges (not Coronavirus). Through both Facebook Live and the audio teleconference some of those folks were able to “go to church” for the first time in a long time.
When Paul said, “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28, CEB), he didn’t say that only good things happen. Obviously, the whole world has a challenge right now, and it manifest differently for each individual. This observation doesn’t negate the reality of any of those challenges.
Nevertheless, this is a real benefit to come out of this challenge. It’s making us realize that the ways we can serve most people as a sort of “stopgap” can really improve the lives of a mostly invisible part of our population and lead to less isolation for them.
When this is all over (and it will end at some point), I know at least two things we need to do.
We need to continue holding virtual church in some form to keep folks who can’t join us physically connected.
We need to find those folks who are isolated and make sure they get significant company.
Dear God, thank you for getting our attention. May we see what needs doing so clearly that it doesn’t take a pandemic next time. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Peace.