Friends, you are on the front lines of ministry where the tires of making disciples really do meet the road of local churches in local communities.
These days, we are discovering that, on occasion, not meeting is a way of meeting a need. By the time you read this, dozens more cases of COVID-19 will have been diagnosed, even with the limited testing available only for those who are symptomatic. Just today, we've learned of more Methodists in Oklahoma, not in the cities, contracting the virus. In words many of your farming folk will understand, the fences are down, the gates are broken, and we have no idea where all the cows are. "Forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" physically, for the sake of being part of a healing process, shows worthy restraint that the Great Physician surely understands.
Again, I will reiterate how crucial it is that we follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines in all our churches in the conference. Currently, that standard is no more than 50 people for any purpose, and the possibility this needs to run for at least 8 weeks. The Bishop pointed out the expectation we have as a cabinet that standard be observed. Most of our churches already have acted and have adopted even more stringent limits. In addition, Governor Stitt in a conference call with religious leaders today pleaded that we observe a limit of no more than 10 for at least the next 15 days. Be assured of a couple of things: 1. I am keeping detailed notes, and I am grateful for all of you who are making compassionate and sacrificial decisions with your church leadership; and 2. I will have your back as you insist on doing that which is best for the sake of public health right now.
However, just because we follow CDC guidelines as responsible citizenry, as citizens of the commonwealth of heaven, we also have the responsibility of "body of Christ" standards. Ramping up connections with folks via phone, making wise use of the internet, doing some porch-calling, etc. are key ways to maintain personal touch.
I am committed to finding and passing along creative, productive ideas on a regular basis as one way to help navigate the rapids of these days. So, here are a few:
COVID CREATIVE CHURCHING
Front windows/doors of the church as a "prayer wall"
Turn sermons/Bible studies into "fireside chats" on Facebook, YouTube, etc
Host a drive up prayer station
Have an errand/chore hotline staffed with volunteers so people can request aid
(If there is a suggested "fee," that money could be used to help
underemployed folk during this time)
Nursing home/care center outreach ideas:
People take turns reading via phone or other media
Artistic people paint/draw on plywood outside windows
Serve as a broker of services that church people make available
Set up "Meals on Wheels" program or help with your community's
Schedule online daily devotions
Help people set up conference calling or Zoom so they can be connected
Distribute sermon manuscripts or Bible study outlines so people can use them
There are lots of ideas going around. I'm so impressed by the ways the Spirit has been freely at work. Even though we are constrained, the Spirit is not!
Beginning tomorrow, I will be doing a couple of things:
1. a daily blog, not necessarily related to this health crisis, but spurred by it
2. inviting you to gather with me in small groups via Zoom for mutual encouragement
You'll get invites to both of these options via email.
In case you're wondering, yes, the cabinet is engaged in appointive work. The conditions already were challenging, and now they're daunting. But technology has its blessings. We are working to do seatings and exits of pastors via Zoom and conference calls as we try to model public health concern.
Again, I value the sacrifice and compassion I have seen from so many of you. I believe deeply I am where I need to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing just now. I pray you share a similar conviction for your own ministry.
Lenten Blessings,
TK
March 27, 2020, 9:23 AM