There has been a lot of talk in the media lately about “Reopening the Churches.” I’ve got news for all the politicians, reporters, commentators and talk show hosts (instigators) … THE CHURCH NEVER CLOSED!!! Most all church buildings have been closed, of course. But that doesn’t mean that churches have been closed! As most of you know, I hope, we have been worshipping online and via a drive-in venue. Without a doubt it’s not the same as being in the church building but it is genuine authentic worship. The same powerful Word of God is proclaimed, His name is praised and His gracious forgiveness of sins is pronounced. Hymns are sung and prayers are lifted up! And all of this has been done in respectful and honoring way to our Lord! And that’s just about worship! In many other ways the church has been “open” and active: phoning members; emails and ‘snail’ mailings; meeting and planning; teaching students (school); food and meal assistance; prayer chain; and people caring for one another! The church is not closed! Actually, the church may be growing and expanding in new ways of ministry and carrying out the mission of the church!
When I was a teenager (in the 60’s!) I remember a song we sang in Walther League and Youth Group gatherings entitled, “I Am the Church.” Honestly, I never cared for the melody, or lack thereof, but the words make a good point about what God’s church is – and is not. In summary the song proclaims: the church is not a building, a steeple, or a resting place; sometimes the church is marching, sometimes bravely burning, sometimes hiding – but always learning. Then the familiar refrain: “I am the church; You are the church; We are the church together; All who follow Jesus… Yes, we’re the church together!” Holy Scripture calls the church the “Body of Christ.” All who believe in Jesus and serve Him are members of Him. He is the head and we are the various members. THAT BODY – THE CHURCH NEVER CLOSED!
Under the Constitution of the United States that guarantees freedom of religion and the right to gather together for worship, could a government official forbid churches from gathering together for worship? Can they dictate the wearing of masks, maintaining six feet of social distancing and the maximum number of worshippers gathering at one time? The simple answer is, “NO.” But I would add that, hopefully the church would not put parishioners in harm’s way by ignoring safe precautions and guidelines.
Christians also need to remember that they are to obey the governing authorities. Read Romans 13:1-7. Only when the authorities oppose God, His Word and His will, must we obey God rather than man. To my knowledge, God does not insist that we worship Him only in the church sanctuary. He does command that we worship Him only and not refrain from gathering with other believers.
Are we not trusting God to protect us if we gather together as we normally would and ignore guidelines and precautions? (This one really gets to me!) Of course not! God has blessed us with intellect, understanding and wisdom. Should we opt to ignore this and put God to the test? It seems to me that satan tried that with Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus responded that we should never put the Lord God to the test!
The church is OPEN, alive and well. In this time of coronavirus pandemic we will utilize the gifts God has given us of wisdom and technology to safely gather as the Body of Christ to worship our Lord. When it is safe we will joyfully throw open the doors of the church building! We will sing and praise, pray and give thanks, fellowship in sacrament and congregation! And, hopefully we will have learned a few lessons about ministry opportunities through this time of exile (so it seems). Just as God grew and dispersed His church in the face of trial and persecution, may He again grow His church now! I pray that all those who howl and holler about opening up the church buildings for worship, will actually come to worship when the gates are flung wide!
God bless you – His church!
~ Pastor Dennis Krueger