While much will change in our churches, not everything must or should change. For example, God’s primary purposes for His people to love God with all of who we are and to love others (Matt. 22:37-40), remains the top priority.
Read: Have a Church Purpose Based on the Greatest Commandments to Love?
Any changes we make need to align with this primary purpose for without love, we’re just “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
How Do We Maintain God’s Primary Purposes Despite the Need to Change the Way We “Do” Church?
While we might not be able to “do” church as usual, we can still be the Church by fulfilling God’s purposes to love.
We have many, many ways to express love to God. It might look different, but as His people, we still make it a priority to demonstrate our love to God.
The question isn’t “if” we worship but rather “how” we can do it in ways that are safe, considerate, and respectful for worship leaders as well as the Body.
The question isn’t “if” we help people learn about God but rather what the best platforms might be for doing that.
The question isn’t “if” we pray together as a church but rather when and where.
And, we still have many ways to show God’s love to one another. It might require more planning and creativity but loving one another as He loves remains a priority.
The question isn’t “if” we can do outreach but rather what the most effective means of doing so might be.
The question isn’t “if” we fellowship with one another but rather the format ongoing interaction with each other might have to take.
The question isn’t “if” we help one another in practical ways (benevolence) but rather how to best utilize the resources we have in the context in which we live.
We’ve grown accustom to worshiping, Bible learning, praying, outreach, fellowship, and benevolence happening in certain ways. Perhaps it’s time to remember “why” we do these things — to show love to God and people. Like the Church of Ephesus, in Revelation 2, we can be “doing” all the right things, even endure hardship, yet miss the mark if our love has grown cold.
As we navigate changes ahead, let’s view them as opportunities to re-examine our motivations and priorities. If we’re having a difficult time letting go of old strategies and programs, let’s ask why.