Lots and lots of questions about the coronavirus. I am sorry that you and our churches are having to deal with so much disruption. Here are some faith ( not medical ) thoughts:
- PRAYER – Now is the time to call our people to prayer. We have great scriptural and historical examples of special prayer calls. Please consider encouraging your people to pray in a bold and dynamic way.
- FAITH NOT FEAR – So many have been gripped by fear. How can we, as the people of faith, encourage faith among our people and then in our community? One thing that would be good is for you to speak to your people. Your voice as a pastor will be recieved with great weight and comfort during this time. Communicate with your people. If you can use video, do it.
- GOD’S GOOD AND GOD’S GLORY – God is always working things together for His good and His glory. How is He bringing glory to Himself in this situation? Now is a great time to disciple our people to think biblically. God can and will use this virus to bring glory to Himself. What if believers reached out and ministered to those around them? What type of witness would that be? How many Gospel conversations would that open? We may have the opportunity to lead a number of people to Christ; while the world is looking for some type of hope.
- FAMILY TIME – With school and sports being shut down, our people are going to have a lot of time together as families. What a great opportunity to encourage them to use this time to build family and then community with others? What resources or ideas do you have that families could do ‘church’ together at home or with their neighbors? What if this was the occasion for the revival of the family altar?
- SNOW STORM – Many of us have lived through snow storms in NW GA. This has some similarities as this disrupts everything. We always say when it comes to snow storms for people to: (a) Take care of themselves, (b) Take care of their families, and (c) Check on their neighbors.
If you have some good ideas on how to help strengthen families and encourage ministry during this time for the glory of God, let me know. This may be an unplanned, unscheduled, but yet, opportune time for the people of God to shine as light in a dark world. Please expect God to do something special in our community.
Psalm 121
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Pray on….
David Franklin
Associational Missionary
Bartow Baptist Association
Rowland Springs Baptist Church Blog 