I Am Concerned (very concerned)

I am very concerned about government closing down churches. Very concerned.

I am very concerned that a pastor was arrested for holding church services. Very concerned.

I am very concerned that if government can shut down churches once, it will be all that much easier next time. Very concerned.

I am very concerned that we cannot have on-site Easter services. Very concerned.

I am very concerned about the viability of many churches once the stay at home orders are lifted. Very concerned.

That being said, we need to do what we are told right now. It doesn’t feel good to some (it doesn’t to me) but we need to do it anyway.

We need to cancel corporate worship services, distance ourselves from others and ask people who can stay in to stay in.

We can still reach a LOT of people with on-line platforms. A LOT of people. We can film and produce responsibly. And if we do this right, both our people, our platforms and our churches will be stronger when we return to corporate worship.

And we need to care for each other in the process. If someone is discouraged, encourage them. If someone needs help, help them. Don’t ask what you can do; just do something. Let’s not make this complicated.

If you are complying, well done. If you are not complying, it is time. Simply because it is the right thing to do.

Once this is all behind us, we can sort out the implications and debate the constitutional issues. Then. Not now.

For now, let’s just get through this. Together.

Rev. Shane L. Bishop has been the Sr. Pastor of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois since 1997.