Churches, and places of worship, have closed their doors temporarily to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. No churches services are being held anywhere in the state of North Carolina. Other states, cities, and countries around the world have canceled religious gatherings. The Department of Health and Human Services has issued warnings and directives about public or mass gatherings. Furthermore, the letter states, “The Executive Order directs all public schools to close beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 for at least two weeks.” Stern warnings were given in a Press Release letter issued a few days ago by Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina. The Title of the press release is, “Governor Cooper Issues Executive Order Closing K-12 Public Schools and Banning Gatherings of More Than 50 People.”*
The important thing to remember is that an “executive order” has been issued. This means that people must follow the ban. The official letter under general statute 166A.19.30 states that violations of this mandate are subject prosecution punishable as a class 2 Misdemeanor. So, what are our places of worship to do? Communities around the country are being deeply affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. But is such an order ultimately detrimental to the Body of Christ? No! … and there are a few things the Coronavirus outbreak can teach the world about the church:
First, the church, is not a building. The Bible refers to the church as the Body of Christ. In other words, the church is the congregation of God’s people, not its buildings. 1 Corinthians 12:17 says, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” And in the book of Romans, Paul points out that, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another…” When we gather together we show the world we are unified under Christ’s headship. But the church gathered is as much the church as the church scattered.
Second, prayer is the antidote for anxiety and one of the church’s biggest weapons. It is in times of great need that we can confidently approach the throne of God. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” With so much anxiety literally in the air, the Church can teach the world what it means to have peace in the midst of chaos. Prayer is the main conduit to peace. As we pray the Lord takes our anxieties away and grants us peace even when things around us seem to be spiraling out of control (Philippians 4:6-7). Panic is the song the world sings when crisis arrives. Peace is the song God sings to a world in panic, and we are his choir! The question is…are you singing God’s song to others? Or the world’s?
Third, that the church is alive and well. Many in our culture believe the church is dead. I do understand despising the “institution of the church.” What I mean by the institution of the church is its political nature, its man made traditions, and the legalistic overtones espoused by some within. But that is not what the church is primarily. The church is a community of believers under the authority of Jesus. People who have been saved from darkness into light. The Body of Christ is the the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and Christian believers are exemplifying what it means to be light during this pandemic; Some are helping people in need during this crisis by offering to buy groceries for them, donating food to refugees who live in our communities, babysitting for single mothers, and by sending encouraging notes and letters to people in nursing homes.
Finally, that we can still connect with other believers despite the distance. The government has told us to practice social distancing.* Some have been ordered to self-quarantine (Am I the only one that thinks this is surreal? Like we’re living in a movie?). It is important for us to follow the government’s guidelines to curve the spread of the virus. But though church buildings and activities are shuttered, we do not have to lose connection with others. That is why attending church online, Facebook live prayer meetings, live streaming, and using social media to connect with other believers is important. We have the opportunity to minister to others no matter where we are. Let’s use the technologies we enjoy for the glory of God! Connect with folks and use your time away from them to encourage them via texting, Facebook Messenger, letters, videos, or whatever other means you have to bless others with encouraging words!
And remember what Jesus said “…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18b). If the gates of Hell cannot stop the church, do you think the coronavirus will? Let us not lose hope! And if you’re a believer, show the world we are the Body of Christ as you continue loving God and loving others during these difficult times!
Written by Daniel Messina
*Social distancing is a term applied to certain actions that are taken by Public Health officials to stop or slow down the spread of a highly contagious disease. For more info on social distancing go to: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-and-self-quarantine
Here’s a link to my most recent article titled “Contagious Christians and the Coronavirus Outbreak”: https://thepreachersdevoblog.com/contagious-christians-and-the-coronavirus-outbreak/