The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has radically altered the way in which the world operates. Churches have been affected significantly and many pastors and church members are wondering, is there a way forward in the wake of this global pandemic?
The answer for the church is YES! There must be. The church of Jesus is not an institution that comes and goes with the passing of time or the ebb and flow of history. The church will stand and continue to have its mission until Jesus comes again. The question that must be asked is whether local church congregations are going to emerge from this global pandemic ready and able to minister to the world around them.
The way forward for churches is to be prepared for the new world that exists around them. A failure to recognize that the world has changed is a failure to be prepared to do ministry in a post-pandemic world. The mission of the church has not changed, but something that many churches will need to consider is methodology. Perhaps the way church was conducted in the past will not be effective in the future. The new mission field that we will find in the wake of COVID-19 may be a mission field that cannot be reached by doing what has always been done.
Change should not be something that disturbs Christians. The Bible is replete with examples of the world changing and God leading His people through change. For Christians, the question should not be “God, why is change happening?” but rather, “God, how can we follow behind You as You bring about change in this world?”
In an ever-changing world, Christians need to hold fast to the only things in this life that do not change: the commands and character of God and our calling and commission from God. Everything else is up for grabs. The way forward for churches and Christians is to apply what we know about the unchanging God of the Scripture and bring about stability in the lives of those who have no anchor.
The way forward for churches in the post COVID-19 word is a refocus on what the mission of the church really is and a commitment to fulfill the Great Commission, regardless of the costs. It is true that some churches may lose their buildings and may not be able to continue ministry as they have before. But the true church of Jesus does not need buildings or other comforts to survive and thrive.
It is my hope that churches and followers of Christ everywhere will embrace the opportunity that this global pandemic has provided: the opportunity to make a difference for Christ, even if that requires rethinking how we’ve done everything in the past. Let’s hold fast to that which is unchanging–the character and commands of God–and be faithful to our calling and commission.
The world needs us now, more than ever, to know the way forward and to pursue it. Let’s get to it!