PRAY LIKE YOU’VE NEVER PRAYED

Last weekend, many churches experienced a bitter first that may become a bitter second, third or tenth. They didn’t meet in person. For those who haven’t belonged to a church before, it may not seem to be that big of deal.

For Christians, it is an enormous deal. Why? Because we believe God is there among us, we love being together, and because something special is formed in us when we gather. The church has gathered in person, regularly, for 2,000 years. People still come. They come when it rains. They come even when there are festivals, sporting events and other distractions at their disposal.

In times like these, I’m exceedingly grateful for the ability to gather online. It’s just that what makes church so special is the people. What you miss is the smiles, the hugs, the joking around with kids. The sights and sounds are so beautiful, what might sound like a cacophony to some is a pure symphony to the believer. Hugs, high fives, laughter, coffee and communion.

We all know there is a difference between grandma and grandpa talking to the grandkids on Facetime and them scooping the kids up and hugging them as they come through the doorway. Online is the next best thing, but not the best thing.

Though I believe I really do pastor, “America’s most flexible church,” the timing of the COVID-19 outbreak couldn’t have been worse for us. We sold our facility a year ago and are in the process of building a oneof-a-kind multiuse arts complex we hope will be a source of renewal for the city of Escondido, our city. We’ve been nomadic for just over a year. We have now changed our weekend gathering location 11 times in that year. That is not a misprint. Eleven times. Through it all, the church has remained steadfast. But we need to meet to communicate, to catch our breath, to prepare for the next chapter, to collect offerings that support the good things the church does. We need to gather.

Now, our church has made the difficult decision to move our services online as a way of loving God by loving others. It wasn’t easy. Frankly, it was slightly terrifying. Yet intrinsic to a biblical understanding of Christ is a willingness, even a predisposition, to align oneself with those who are sick or vulnerable. After all, how can we claim to follow the one known as “The Great Physician” if we ignore the needs of the sick and vulnerable?

We can’t. And so we will meet online until we believe we can meet in person safely.

We trust God while acknowledging churches will be impacted enormously by this. Some may never reopen. Some may go upside down financially and never recover. In turn, this will negatively impact communities. Contrary to what some might believe, Christians make significant contributions to nearly every vital aspect of society: arts, music, education, and perhaps, especially, health care.

Jesus, after all, was the great healer. Thus, aligning with the suffering during times of uncertainty and calamity is profoundly

Christian. This has been the case throughout history. During the Plague of Cyprian (a pandemic that afflicted the Roman Empire from about the year 250 to 262), 5,000 people died a day in Rome alone. Among them were two Roman emperors.

I could go on, but the broader point is, for all their shortcomings, Christians are usually the first to rush into situations like the one in which we find ourselves today. This time, our way of rushing in is to stay in.

The church has worshiped for 2,000 years and no virus will end that. This season presents some amazing opportunities for churches with eyes to see. But this is tough. It’s also worth it. So keep loving your church. Write the encouragement note. Pray like you’ve never prayed before. Continue to give, click like, and share.

Church is never canceled. Consider yourself invited. We may not wow everyone. That’s okay. If our heavenly father is pleased, that is enough.