Using Technology to Share the Never Changing Message with an Ever Changing World

Last month, the stock market was enjoy an 11 year bull market, housing prices were trending up, families were planning spring break, workers were considering retirement, workers were enjoying their jobs, and churches were doing business as usual. (I am not implying that "business as usual" is a good thing at any time for any church.) Everyone was enjoying life and saw only blue skies on the horizon... then entered COVID-19 / Coronavirus.

The world changed seemingly overnight; paralyzed with fear due to uncertainty. Where do people go when then are afraid? Often, they seek solace in God and return to the Church. For example, immediately following the attacks of 9-11, church attendance increased drastically. But, this time it is different. We are being told not to gather in groups of more than 10, so where do people go this time to seek God?

The answer is - they go to the Church. The Church has never been a building, although many mistakenly call it such. The Church is a "called out assembly" of those people who have accepted God's gift of salvation through the sacrificial and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. The Church spans the globe! It includes people of all nations, tribes, and tongues. We meet at various times, speak different languages, worship according to our culture, and meet in different places. Some services are held outside; others inside. Some in beautiful buildings; some in huts. Some in houses, basements, coffee shops, hotels, public schools, and so forth. The place of gathering does not matter, but obedience to the command found in Hebrews 10:25, "...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...;" that does matter!

With the recent precautionary efforts to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the Church is using a new method to meet - online. This method certainly should not replace the physical gathering of worshipers, after this health threat is over; but it is a good option for now. People will be able to worship together (virtually) from the safety of their own homes, until this pandemic passes. Technology can be a great tool, when used properly.

I can hear the critics now, "Bless God, that's not church!" They are right, the Church is not limited to a service (physical or virtual), the Church is the people... the called out assembly.

For the sake of protecting those in our congregation who are at high risk, as well as, letting our community know that we care about them enough to help protect them; Grace Church is moving our services online-only this week. Our method is changing, BUT our message is NOT! This cutting edge technology will allow us to continue to deliver the message of the Gospel and I am excited about that! We get to proclaim Christ to the nations as quarantined people tune in from around the world. That's exciting! So, if you do not usally attend a worship service, I invite you to join with us this Sunday at 10:45am via Facebook Live. Yep, we're using new technology to worship together, learn from the Scriptures, and introduce people to an "ALL IN" faith in Jesus Christ.