It is quite amazing to see the various platforms and/or preaching styles that are being utilized during this quarantine. While we miss worshipping the Lord with our brothers and sisters in an actual building, we are still able to preach and teach the Word of God through various technology outlets. Again, it is amazing that we, the church, are flexible enough to be relevant in every difficult situation. The saving message of the gospel cannot and will not be quarantined or sequestered. In other words, the saving redeeming message of Jesus Christ will not be silenced; no matter what.
Over the past few weeks and months, our church, along with many others, has simply used the Facebook live streaming application for our Wednesday night Bible studies and Sunday afternoon worship service. On Monday, Thursday, and Friday nights, we use the Zoom application as well as FaceTime for our men’s, women’s, and youth meetings. The Zoom technology seems to be the popular choice to stay close and connected to each other during this quarantine. A neighboring church is even offering private, one on one Bible studies via Zoom.
At this point, I think we all have become “Zoom Churches” to a certain extent, and almost by no choice of our own. While Zoom and other technology mediums are helpful to facilitate preaching, teaching, and worship, we must be careful that we not become too dependent on technology. Someone once said that, “Extreme measures have a strange way of becoming permanent.” All of this technology is acceptable for now, and I love technology. However, now that things are resettling back to normal or a semblance of normal, we must not forsake the assembling of ourselves together and resort back to the convenience of technology to take the place of gathering together. I think we are all ready to gather at our respective church congregations and places of worship. Nothing can ever replace church service. I miss it badly. Here in Oklahoma, the governor has allowed churches to begin gathering on May 3rd, but with stipulations. The primary directive is that we still maintain a safe distance and we wear a mask. I am thankful we are meeting again. I miss my brothers and sisters.
Thanks for reading. Be blessed.
(My post was written on May 1st on a discussion board for one of my graduate courses)