At this time, local governments are beginning to ease restrictions and soon people will be able to gather in churches and other locations. How you go about planning your first gathering together will depend greatly on your church size, location, culture, demographic, and many other factors. No one knows what the future holds… except God. Everyone is speculating at this time. There is one thing that I do know…. God knows the future!
God knows the future
While we listen to politicians, medical experts, and others share what they anticipate the next few months will hold, each with varying perspectives, we need to seek God for His wisdom in how we will each walk through this time. I wonder how many seek first the ideas of others via Facebook before asking God for wisdom.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 (CSB)
If God alone knows the future, then why wouldn’t we seek His wisdom first? Why are so many anxious about what the “new normal” will look like and how to proceed? Another verse that is pertinent to this time, and everyday.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
I know that peace that passes understanding firsthand from several experiences, but to have that peace, we need to seek God for His wisdom, strength, and guidance. I am not concerned about what to do when we are able to gather again because it is so open ended. The decision is also not completely mine as it will be a discussion among all church leadership. Instead of wasting time focused on an event that has no known date in the near future (in my area), I am focused on reaching the children and families now, in the moment. Yes, I do have an eye on tomorrow, but my main focus is on today.
As I stated, no one knows what tomorrow holds, and everyone has their own predictions. Here is what I envision:
People will be “hungry” to have fellowship with other people outside of their immediate family.
God acknowledges from the beginning that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:8). Jesus sent the disciples out in groups of two so they would not be alone (Mark 6:6,7; Luke 10:1). Those committed to following Jesus Christ know the importance of meeting together (Hebrews 10:25).
Small Churches may begin meeting sooner than larger churches
Many areas have restrictions in place for gatherings of more than 10 people. That may incrementally increase to 50, 100, 250, etc depending on local governments. Large churches are exploring ways to meet in multiple services to comply with the recommendations on gatherings. Small churches may also look into having multiple services for the first time to meet smaller gathering recommendations. This has many implications:
Small Churches can learn from large churches
If you find yourself looking into the possibility of multiple services as restrictions are slowly lifted, then reach out to larger churches who would normally hold multiple services to see what they have learned and how they have addressed various issues that multiple services present that we may not consider.
Large Churches can learn from small churches
Large churches are always trying to get small, small groups, etc. In light of the current situation, they are now “forced” to find a way to be small as they seek to meet within the guidelines of local governments. Small churches can be a valuable resource during this time.
Small Churches can expect more visitors
As small churches open before large churches (because of restrictions on the numbers who can gather together), we can expect some visitors as people who are longing for fellowship may seek a church that is “open” and meeting. We need to be prepared, as always, for people to visit our church.
What is important will be highlighted and obvious
During this time, what we view as important in ministry has been exposed. How we re-establish meeting together, those priorities will again be illuminated for all to see. The one priority that we all should have is the Gospel. After that, it is how we approach it. I will not go into a discourse on what your church should focus on now and as we begin to meet again except to note the Gospel. To express any other view would imply that my vision was the only way to do something, and that simply is not the case. We need to seek God for His wisdom and allow Him to guide our steps.
How our children’s ministries will be held will also vary by church as we look at what ministries we offer and how God is leading us to minister in the future as we begin to meet again. As we approach meting together in children’s ministry, the way we approach it will show what holds the priority in our ministry.
The fertility of our soil will be seen
Jesus shared the parable of the sower and the seed (Matthew 13:1-23) where the seed fell on different types of soil. The soil that was fertile, good soil, produced fruit. I believe that during this time, Jesus is opening the eyes of the church and dropping seeds of wisdom, guidance, and showing us many things. What kind of soil we are will be evidenced by how we respond to what God is showing us during this time. Will this time be used for “talking points” and initiating discussion alone, or will it produce actions that produce fruit?
I want to leave you with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt. Don’t look to the other churches and compare yourself and what you are doing to them during this time, or anytime. “Do what you can with what you have, where you are.” You have God. Seek Him for “the wind for your sails”, for direction, and wisdom.
