Contrary to headlines, the church is not closed. We are not currently meeting in a building. However, we do have unprecedented, unlimited, solid, biblical resources for input, training, teaching, and gathering online. Geographic divisions have disappeared. Our congregations can include people across the state and across the world. I am talking with pastors who are seeing far more people join their community than ever before. People are hungry and looking for something or Someone eternal. If there was ever a time we needed one another, it is now. Now is when we figure out if our faith works. Good news: We are released from a building out into the world to minister any way God might use us.

This is not easy by any means. We can’t do most of how we usually do church. Ministry is a challenge. Pastors are concerned for their flocks. Giving is way down. Staff are worried about their positions. We look forward to being able to sit together and talk face to face. It will be wonderful to hear congregations sing together at the top of our lungs. May we never take a hug for granted again. In the meantime, how can we be the Body of Christ today?

“I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”

(3 John 13-15)

How do Paul, Peter, and John care for people from prison? How do they do church without a building? How did the first century church commit to love and unity while often isolated from one another? How can we love our faith community? How can we share Christ with a world that needs to see Him?

The Church is not closed. It’s requiring some extra thought and creativity, but I’m so encouraged by how I’m seeing The Church BE the Body of Christ. I am seeing the Church:

• Praying

• Worshipping

• Learning

• Feeding the hungry

• Donating money and materials

• Helping with repairs

• Running food banks

• Making masks

• Donating blood

• Checking in on one another

• Comforting those in grief

• Buying groceries and running errands for neighbors

• Writing cards

• Getting creative

One believer in my neighborhood left a note on the mailbox offering to shop for those at high risk. Kind people have left groceries safely on my porch. Others have received wonderful, encouraging cards by actual snail mail. People have listened to that quiet whisper to contact someone the Holy Spirit lays on their heart. People are calling to check on those who need a boost. People are calling old friends they haven’t chatted with in years.

Today I invite you to read Paul’s Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. How did Paul encourage community and love on people while physically distant? How might God use us, individually and corporately to BE the Body of Christ? What suggestions is the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear?