Like it or Not – Churches Plunge Into Online Ministry
Churches across the country are grappling with an immediate need to provide online ministry at a time when meeting face-to-face is considered risky at best and life-threatening at worst.
The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance says that for the next eight weeks, gatherings of people should limit themselves to no more than 50 at a time.
For some churches, this means adapting and adjusting. For others, it's a complete re-orientation.
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The world shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun refuse to shine; But God, who called me here below, Shall be forever mine.
When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun." (John Newton)
Christians need to start contacting their legislators and appealing for churches to be allowed to assemble according to the first amendment of our constitution.
I think an alternative would be to go a brief service , M,W,F and have a service. We’re at a small church, so we could offer 10 people gathering ( 97% recovery rate from Wuhan virus), and catch all members in a month or so. Online giving is the best option or mail in or deposit box in office. Missing church is depressing, I just think my “family” drove back home after spending the year with them. Pray the Lord will kick this problem and we can learn from this and be stronger in faith.
Broadcasting a service is only one piece. What about interaction within the community of Christians? Must we rely on FB, which has proven unreliable for full Christian expression? John UK has a very valid point. It no longer matters whether your church is 50 or 500 or less than 10 right now if you follow the President's 15-day guidelines.
A surprising number of people who take care of the telecommunications for churches are over the age of 50. So, it isn't surprising that the computer screens may remain dark anyway for church services. 😷👎🛐
Now is a good time to consider limiting a church assembly to fifty anyway, so that all can partake in the ministry to the saints, as the Bible teaches.