Round-up: The Church and COVID-19

The Church and COVID-19

While originally I thought about adding my own “hot take” about the church and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to the World Wide Web, I realized other people had said it better than I could. I now offer you my round-up of blog posts, articles, Facebook statuses, and Twitter posts that I find beneficial during this wild time.

There are three sections. The first is “Pastoring From a Distance;” second is “Should Churches Cancel?”; and third is “Christian Faith During a Pandemic.” If you like the content you read, go give those authors or blogs or sites a follow to support them. Enjoy!

Pastoring From a Distance

  • “Tending the Lambs You Can’t Touch” by Jared C. Wilson, from The Gospel Coalition
    • Wilson delivers four simple tips of pastoring during this time. It’s not so much different, just you lose out on the physical presence part.
  • “How to Lead Online Worship Without Losing Your Soul–or Body” by W. David O. Taylor, from Christianity Today
    • Taylor offers eight practical tips for doing church “online.” He encourages adapting to the new medium while making the experience personal and impacting.
  • “Churches Should Think Twice Before Webcasting Their Worship Services” by C. Christopher Smith, from his personal site.
    • What I appreciate the most about Smith’s take is that he questions if you can really do church “online.” He sees church–I think correctly–as an embodied, participatory experience. Thus, it’s something that can’t be simply filmed and put online for consumption. He does offer good tips for increasing “participation” even on an online medium. [See also Ed Stetzer’s article from 2014 about this subject].

As a bonus, here is some good stuff I’ve seen on Social Media for church leaders:

Should Churches Cancel?

Yes, they should cancel physical services. But here are some good articles explaining why.

  • “Is it Wrong for Churches to Cancel Services?” by Ken Weliever, from The Preachers Word.
    • While there are tons of hot takes on this issue, Weliever offers eight concise reasons to cancel. But he also challenges not to judge those churches that choose not to cancel–but I don’t know that I get on board with that because lives are at stake. I’ll leave that up to you.
  • “Amid coronavirus pandemic, a theology for not ‘assembling’” by Jeremie Beller, from The Christian Chronicle
    • I know Jeremie personally, and he offers astounding wisdom to close our doors during this time. It’s a great reminder that the church is more than our buildings!

And here is some Social Media wisdom I’ve stumbled across:

Christian Faith During a Pandemic

  • “The Cross Creates the Community We Need” by Jeremy R. Treat, from Christianity Today
    • Treat describes how the Christian community, a community bonded by a deep connection in the Spirit, is the solution to loneliness and isolation. In this pandemic, though you might be stuck at home, remember the Body of Christ is here to care for you.
  • “Pandemic and the Common Good” by Kelly Johnson, from Catholic Moral Theology
    • In this article, Johnson argues that our individual flourishing happens when the public flourishes. AKA–wash your hands and stay inside!
  • “Francis Chan: Right Now Is a Huge Opportunity for the Church” [A Relevant article that introduces a helpful Francis Chan video]
    • In his typical amazing fashion, Francis Chan brings inspiration and a challenge to the church during this pandemic. He points out reasons for sorrow and reasons for joy during this trying time.
  • “God’s People Need an Eternal Perspective During the Coronavriurs Crisis” by Randy Alcorn, from Eternal Perspective Ministries
    • Alcorn offers a good reminder that Jesus doesn’t promise us a perfect life, but that during this time we must operate with Christlikeness.

Finally, here’s some advice before you say “this pandemic is God’s judgement:”