by John Sprecher
Every day seems to bring new developments and revelations about the advancing Coronavirus (COVID-19.) At first it seemed far away in China, but now that it has come to most of our states and localities, we are faced with the prospects of dealing with a pandemic. Schools and businesses are closing and there is the possibility that public meetings, including churches, could be forced to close.
Are you and your congregation prepared for the possibility of not being able to meet publicly for a season? If we are honest, our thoughts go to offerings, budgets, logistics, and a myriad of other practical concerns that come with a disruption of the normal congregational schedule. There are resources that can help with some of those concerns, and if you are already doing online giving, that may be less of a concern — unless we end up with widespread unemployment.
The greater issue we need to address is how do we, as the people of God, respond to the very real needs that are and could be manifesting themselves, such as panic, shortages of food and water, living under quarantine — the list goes on. In times of great need, the opportunity to love our neighbor and care for the sick and needy becomes an opportunity to share the love of Christ, bringing hope and comfort to our community.
Plan for the disruptions in your normal schedules. But more importantly, create a care plan for the members of your congregation and mobilize your people to bless and care for your community.
John Sprecher is the U.S. Lead Elder of the FCA
Download the free resource guide from Christianity Today for churches on the Coronavirus. Click HERE.
Other resources:
NW FCA — and Coronavirus by Dan Eide, pastor of Sisco Heights Community Church in Washington. Click HERE.
From Rich Doebler, FCA Media editor: Why Watching TV News Is Bad for Your Health. Click HERE.
