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Likely, many of you reading the title of this article “The Church and COVID-19” will immediately think this is going to be about the institution of the Church making a response to Coronavirus. Unfortunetly no, you won't see myself or Pastor Kevin stepping out of  a balcony on St. Peter's Basilica. This won’t be that type of article. Rather, I want to call something important to all of our attention as we venture forth in a time of social distancing. The reality is each of us must remember that the Church is not the physical building, but rather, the people within it! That’s right! You, the reader, you are the Church!

For the foreseeable future we will be forced to live a little uncomfortably. Probably your favourite coffee shop, restaurant, or place to hangout is closed. Personally I am saddened that my favourite second office, Starbucks, has closed their doors for the time being. (Where will I get my macchiatos?!) Likewise, here at Hinton Alliance Church we have decided to close our doors to public worship services for the time being to maintain safety for the many at-risk people in our community. All of this means our lives have changed for the time being. You won’t be as physically connected to groups as you normally are. That’s simply the fact of the matter. However, here is what I want each of us to remember: You don’t have to be at Church to be the Church.

The book of Acts chapter 4 paints this picture beautifully to us in these uncertain times:

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

As you may know, Christianity was illegal in the Greco-Roman first century. In fact Christians were heavily persecuted and often murdered at the order of Roman Prefects and officers. Because of this there were no Church buildings in the way we know them today. There were no giant gatherings of Christians on Sunday coming to listen to "Oceans" by Hillsong and their 25 minute sermon before heading to brunch. Rather, Christians had to adapt to the culture and circumstances surrounding them. They met in smaller groups and spent more one on one time with each other. They prayed, read the scriptures and encouraged one another in those intimate groups of a few believers at a time, even before they began to expand into larger groups. Point being, these early Christians knew something I believe we sometimes forget: Church is not a building, but the people. As followers of Jesus we are called to pray for others, exhort others, love others and provide charity. We are called to worship God, to praise Him for the many blessings we have and to calm the fears of those around us while we ensure none go needy. Surely the Church building is an excellent facilitator of those things - but it does not fulfill those things.

So being that we are the Church in this unique context….what’s next? Let me give you some practical considerations for the coming weeks:

  • Parents, set aside time with your kids to hear their concerns about COVID-19. Explain from a Biblical perspective that they do not need to fear! Remeber, 2 Timothy tells us we are not given a spirit of fear!

 

  • Families spend intentional time together. While you may not be able to attend a physical church at this time - have church at home! Tune into a livestream, start a family Bible study. Whatever fits your family best.

 

  • Reach out to those in need. Are you young and capable? Offer to help do a grocery run for somebody who is at risk of COVID-19. Offer to babysit somebody’s children because their childcare facility is not running currently. There are many practical ways we can offer a helping hand!

I believe that in this unique time in our lives. We should recogize it as an unprecedented opportunity for ministry towards our communities. I am excited to see how Christians in Hinton and around our nation are used by God to further the Gospel. Let’s allow ourselves to be a part of that.

Pastor Alex