4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...
The body functions best when all are participating, exercising his or her spiritual gifts to build up the body and to be part of the glorious work of the Church. Even in times when we are physically separated, we can be mindful that we are one with other members in the body. Now that statistics show we are beginning to come back together in physical worship, we can seek the Lord on how to reclaim the sense of one purpose that He has given to us.
The cohesiveness of the Church is preserved as we commit ourselves to staying together, even when
circumstances may dictate otherwise. Hebrews 10 states:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Because of a number of larger, high-profile churches that have not opened their doors to in-person worship, you may get the impression that most church buildings are not available on Sundays for worship services.
But a new LifeWay Research study, reported on by The Christian Post, tells a surprising story. According to the article...
Scott McConnell, LifeWay Research Executive Director, states: “While more and more churches have resumed in-person worship services, it has not always been a straight path back,” adding, “Some have had difficulty resuming or had to stop meeting again as things got worse in their area.” He also highlighted the different feel of in-person worship these days:
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The cohesiveness of the Church is preserved as we commit ourselves to staying together, even when
circumstances may dictate otherwise. Hebrews 10 states:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Because of a number of larger, high-profile churches that have not opened their doors to in-person worship, you may get the impression that most church buildings are not available on Sundays for worship services.
But a new LifeWay Research study, reported on by The Christian Post, tells a surprising story. According to the article...
...more than 70% of Protestant churches have cautiously resumed in-person services following the required safety measures, according to a new LifeWay Research survey.
About three months ago, in April, less than 10% of Protestant churches held in-person services, but the number climbed to more than 55% by the first weekend in June, and in July, more than 70% met physically, according to the LifeWay survey.But, according to the current survey, less than a third are holding Bible studies in person.
Scott McConnell, LifeWay Research Executive Director, states: “While more and more churches have resumed in-person worship services, it has not always been a straight path back,” adding, “Some have had difficulty resuming or had to stop meeting again as things got worse in their area.” He also highlighted the different feel of in-person worship these days:
“Resuming in-person worship services has not been reverting to worship as usual,” McConnell commented. “Churches are making efforts to make the environment safe, but these efforts are often second-guessed by those who either want more precautions or less restrictions.”And, by and large, there are safety precautions in place, according to the survey. The Post says that, "...94% of pastors said they provided hand sanitizer, masks or gloves to those needing it, 86% conducted additional cleaning of surfaces, and 76% closed seats to increase the distance between people."
Regarding masks, almost 6-in-10 churches meeting in person have "recommended" them, with just over a third making masks a requirement. And, over 20% of churches have added additional services in order to accomplish social distancing. Just under 2-in-10 have operated "viewing rooms."
And, churches certainly have ministry opportunities to families who have experienced financial hardship resulting from COVID-19: about three-quarters of pastors said they had congregation members who had a reduction of hours at work, and almost half have lost their jobs.
So, churches across America are working, in their own methodology and timing, to return to some sort of normalcy, whatever that looks like. The desire for worship is being balanced by concern for public health. And, churches are all across the spectrum on this issue. But, every church has a responsibility to minister to its community, no matter what form it takes.
So, churches across America are working, in their own methodology and timing, to return to some sort of normalcy, whatever that looks like. The desire for worship is being balanced by concern for public health. And, churches are all across the spectrum on this issue. But, every church has a responsibility to minister to its community, no matter what form it takes.
We have to remember not to become sidelined - the online worship service one Sunday can easily be replaced by other pursuits the next. While it's convenient to be at home, it can be a temptation for some to reduce their participation. And, the world needs the Church in these troubling times. So, we can remember to stay connected and motivated to do the work of the Lord and follow the Word of the Lord.
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