Churches and COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in many churches across America cancelling services or streaming services online or through Facebook, Youtube, or Twitter. Most have done this, as per executive orders from state governors, as a measure to try to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. 

When it comes to assembly, it makes you wonder about the churches out there that don’t even have a Website, because they consider the Internet to be too worldly. Do they meet by phone, by HAM radio, by CB?

“Breaker, Breaker 2-9! This is Blue Shepherd speaking! Church service will begin in five minutes. My wife, Blue Pianist, will play music for our songs while my assistant, Stoneface, will give the announcements. Send your tithes to the church’s bank. And remember, we are doing services on 2-9. Last time we did it on 1-9, our young’uns learned many new words from unhappy truckers who griped that we were clogging up their channel and, telling me to go someplace impossible while, um, never mind. And since the stores seem to have soap in short supply, there’s not much to wash their mouths out with! 10-4!”

However, some churches have ignored the quarantine orders and have had regular services anyway. One such pastor died from COVID-19.

I understand the whole “freedom of assembly” and how churches don’t like the government prying into their affairs, but considering COVID-19 is a virus that evolves and could still become highly fatal, I prefer to err on the side of caution.

Besides, sometimes churches resist government intervention because it brings something the church is in denial of needing: accountability.

Post comments here or email them to: richardstwoshekels@gmail.com

Checking out churches

For the second time in a year, I had a Sunday off. My work schedule shifted, so as of now, I am now off Sundays at my primary job. 

Due to the COVID-19 quarantine, I watched two different church services on live stream through Facebook.

One church, the pastor had a strong drawl and was trying to tell some amusing anecdote. He had no sense of timing or execution, making me think he was trying to be the late Mississippi humorist Jerry Clower and, well, having no success. My gut told me his Bible teaching would not be any better. Soon, I lost interest and decided to try another church.

Next stream, the pastor was talking about the resurrection, citing scripture, and talking about the eternal hope that comes from Jesus rising from the dead. The church, on its Website, talks about the service being informal as far as attire goes. It reminded me of that Michigan church’s slogan: Dress casually. Jesus did.

Despite this promising sign, I’m almost afraid to go back to church. Four times I’ve attended churches and splits have happened. At one church, a Sunday School teacher disliked the direction the pastor was going and convinced three or four families to also leave. At one church in San Antonio, the pastor’s wife was a cosmetics distributor and shunned those who weren’t her customers. Then, at a church in Michigan and one here in Texas, the pastors left due to a desire to have almost total control over the church. (Read the Old Testament story of Moses and Jethro to see why this isn’t a good idea). As far as I could gather from the second one, the young pastor conflicted with the “old guard.” 

I’ve often wondered how much time churches spend teaching the Bible, versus preaching “do this” or “don’t do that.” Too many Christians reach a point where they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Sometimes it’s because not enough time was spent studying what the Bible really says, and sometimes because in their spiritual walk, they spent time in churches that focus on adhering to rules to strive for holiness.

Here’s one suggestion: instead of preaching to a congregation about TV shows* they shouldn’t watch or musical bands** they shouldn’t listen to, why not teach what the Bible says about spiritual discernment and the importance of putting healthy things into your mind?

* One certain Baptist minister preached about how evil The Simpsons was because the show was about “mocking your parents and having a rebellious attitude.” One warm, godly Christian minister I know admitted to me he likes the show and thinks it’s hilarious.

** If you’re a pastor and ever want to get your teenagers curious about secular music, preach against it from the pulpit. Sure, some are pliant enough to obey and stick with Fanny Crosby and Al Smith, but some will get curious and listen.

Richard Zowie has been a Christian since the days of the rotary-dial telephone and when the Betamax and VHS battled for supremacy. Post comments here or email: richardstwoshekels@gmail.com