Churches Coping with COVID-19     
 

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

 

That the last few weeks have been a nightmare is an understatement. Everyone, in one way or the other, has been affected by Covid-19. Lives are being affected in ways our generation has never known. In addition to all the others, local churches of Christ are wrestling with ways to cope. How can we meet our responsibility to assemble and at the same time be in compliance with God’s will and the orders of the powers that be? May I be so forward as to offer a few thoughts on the subject, especially the matter of not being able to assemble with fellow saints and our need to honor the government’s need to protect its citizens. We read suggestions that since we should “obey God rather than man” that we should simply ignore orders from governments and assemble anyway. We also read criticism of those who may have dismissed assemblies during this crisis. In “normal” times we have a smaller scale version of this situation. On any given Sunday, we announce that some of our members have a “bug” and are at home. They seem to show improvement, but are still staying in because they are still may be contagious and do not want to spread it to others. They are even commended for their concern, not only for their health, but that of others. No one is quick to criticize their position. What we have with Covid-19 is different in that not just a few, but every member has the problem of attending to his own ailments while avoiding spreading germs to others. The net result being that in order to avoid the virus and giving it others, they keep their distance – all recognized for years as prudent steps. A few congregations are small enough and their meeting house large enough to spread families out keeping the required 6 feet distance with little problem - power to them for not having to dismiss previously scheduled assemblies. It takes a little extra work, but can be done. On the other hand, larger groups cannot follow that course. They simply need to exercise the patience to keep their distance from one another, communicating the best they can while waiting and praying for things to return to where coming together is one place (1 Cor. 11:20; 14:23) is again feasible. Let us all keep cool heads, show patience, demonstrate love and exercise reasonableness during these trying times. Above all keep the faith.         Other Articles by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. The Letter and the Spirit A Convenient Doctrine Cutting Wood and Restoring N. T. Christianity About Christians Feeling Unworthy and Undone Holding a Church Hostage What Can God do? Undercover Agents for Christ Reformation or Transformation? Be Careful With the Blame Game Is Unrestricted Loyalty a Virtue? A New Dogma How to Raise a Heartache The Right Baptism Standing Alone       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com