This is what I communicated to our church in light of the current Corona Virus concerns. We are still meeting, as our church is very small. However, we are exercising precautions, and stand ready to move to completely virtual means as the situation develops further.
Dear Ingle Chapel Family,
In moving forward as we navigate through this, the current situation and uncertainty that it brings reveals a few things. Firstly, situations like these in the past have had the effect of driving people to the local church. In times like these, people want and need to connect with and hear from God. We should provide ways, both face to face, and creatively through technology to keep these lines open.
Secondly, situations like these are a time when our societies and world bring their questions, even using the present state of the world as a major objection to God. Whereas this may seem like an obstacle, it is fertile ground for our own testimony in pointing to the God who is there, who loves us, and who is ultimately in control. Use it as an opportunity to give hope, peace, and faith to family, friends, and others.
Thirdly, this situation underscores a basic human need and divine design. We were meant to be in contact with each other. While I don’t want to read too much into this new virus, I do believe that the enemy tries to use situations like this to increase distance between people, which ultimately creates distance between people and God. This, combined with many already practicing “social distancing” thanks to new technology, have the potential to diminish the impact of God’s people and the church . . . even into the long run.
May I remind us all that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). And the church that He has established will stand, and the gates of hell will be unable to prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, let’s allow His power and His strength to get us through and overcome this crisis, and commit to renewed passion and purpose long after this situation has passed.
Hope to see you tomorrow at church, even if in spirit rather than body.
All the best, and God bless!
Pastor Glenn