Coronavirus And the Church

Can the Coronavirus and the church come together? Many Christians hope their faith alone will sustain them during the coronavirus pandemic. This faith, a source of hope and resilience, is a powerful tool in these challenging times. But why do the faithful need to attend church during such a deadly pandemic? Is church worship about faith, worshiping God, or love of social life? Amid the coronavirus pandemic, does God require us to praise Him in mass numbers? Can we revere God without large social gatherings? Should the church enforce social distancing? Will the faith of the faithful prevail? I devote this blog to finding answers to these questions.

Is the Faithful Defeated?

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Novel Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19, a pandemic. On March 13, the United States declared it a national emergency. The first case of Coronavirus was confirmed on January 30. Since then, the virus has set off a firestorm of fear worldwide.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it appears that this disease is shaking many faithful’s faith. Rather than helping end the Coronavirus pandemic, the church plays a significant role in spreading the pandemic. Despite the virus, worshipers continue to gather in mass numbers. Across the U.S., the faithful are defying local government lockdowns, causing some people to question church leaders.

Social Distancing in Church Services During the Pandemic

Many churches are uniting to slow the spread of the Coronavirus by social distancing and enforcing stay-at-home orders. Several churches are hosting online services, urging their members to worship online. Several church members attended Easter services online in their bedrooms. The government deemed liquor stores and bars essential services. However, the government did not consider the church necessary, prompting some faithful to think the government was violating their right to exercise their religion freely.

To make matters worse, some pastors speak against wearing facemasks in their churches. In addition to the Coronavirus pandemic, the killing of George Floyd has fueled the Black Lives Matter Movement. Several peaceful protests have turned into riots. Rioters looted businesses and burned churches. This further angered some church members. The government’s willingness to allow protests without social distancing while denying the church’s right to assemble also angered some pastors.

Thousands of protesters protest without social distancing. The Coronavirus pandemic has prompted California to ban churches from having indoor services. The state limited church attendance to a maximum of 25% capacity of a minimum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. This further angered church followers.

The Truth Concerning Religious Assembly

For more than two thousand years, the church has been a cornerstone of the Christian community. It’s a place where believers come together to worship, hear the word of God, and support each other. But is this the only purpose of the church? The Bible tells us that believers should not forsake assembling (Hebrews 10:25), but it doesn’t explicitly state that the church should gather to worship God. So, what is the true purpose of the church?

Many believe the faithful congregate to worship and hear the word of God proclaimed. But that is not the primary function of the assembly. According to the Bible, the church should assemble to stir up love and good works and exhort one another. This is a powerful reminder of the church’s true purpose, inspiring us to continue our good works even in the face of the pandemic.

“…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.”Hebrews 10:24-25

Why Churches Should Follow Public Health Recommendations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We should seek God when trouble arises. However, the devil takes advantage of every opportunity to harm us. I think we should take every precaution to avoid this sickness during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Advocates of church services argue that places of worship are vital resources of strength and community bonding. Those in favor of holding regular services say people should be allowed to congregate. However, critics say the Coronavirus has made it impossible for people to gather in large groups. They advise that we follow public health recommendations, as not doing so could lead to further spread of the virus and more deaths.

Churches that host jam-packed services have been linked to COVID-19 outbreaks. In July, more than 650 coronavirus cases were linked to nearly 40 churches in the U.S. In Oregon alone, more than 230 cases have been connected to an outbreak at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in defiance of the state’s stay-at-home order.

Many churchgoers argue that they have a right to assemble, and I agree. However, I believe churches and protesters should follow government guidelines concerning COVID-19. Churchgoers who do not support the stay-at-home orders of their local government should read their Bible more often. The Book of Titus speaks of Godly living. It says we are to be subject to rulers and authorities. We are to be obedient, ready, and willing to do good. Never should we slander or abuse anyone. We must be kind and gentle, showing courtesy toward everyone” (Titus 3:1-2).

Love For the Faithful Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

God sees believers as sheep in His flock. Church pastors are shepherds of God’s flock. The shepherd should love and protect the flock. I ask defiant shepherds, “Do you exhibit faith by exposing your sheep to the danger associated with Coronavirus? How are you showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward others when you do not follow local government guidelines to social distance or wear a facemask?” This is a call for us to show love and consideration in our actions, especially during these challenging times.

If we go back to basics, we will not allow ourselves or our faith in God to be shaken. To become the unshakeable church that God ordained, we must reconsider the purpose of attaching ourselves to the church in the first place. In doing so, we will see that we need the prayers and motivation of others in the assembly as much as they need us. During the Coronavirus pandemic, we must allow God to protect our health by following the recommendations of those whom God has ordained to protect us. If you don’t have to go out, stay home. When away from home, always wear a facemask, and please use social distancing.

Whether you agree or disagree with the points raised in this blog, I welcome your comments. Let’s engage in a respectful and constructive discussion about the role of faith and the church during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your perspective is valuable, and I look forward to hearing from you.