A New Way to Do Church, But Is It Really New?

Here’s the church; 
Here’s the steeple;
Open the church;
And there are all the people. 
 
Many of us learned that little rhyme, along with the hand motions that accompanied it, when we were kids. 
 
The sentiment and nostalgia of the little exercise makes us smile, but it’s not actually biblically sound. 
 
A more New Testament way to look at the poem would be: 
 
Here’s a building;
And here’s a steeple;
Let’s be the true church;
And mobilize the people. 
 
We’re entering an unprecedented time; not only in our nation, but in our world. Such uncertainly has been created with the reality of the COVID-19 virus. 
 
For the church, we may be living in days closest to the book of Acts than any generation in modern history. 
 
As of the time I’m writing this, the CDC has discouraged any gatherings for more than 50 people for at least 8 weeks. That takes us well past Easter, a time that followers of Christ look forward to for months. 
 
According to the book of Acts, early followers of Jesus met in homes, not in large buildings. They still took part in teaching, in fellowship, in communion, and in prayer. 
 
And we can certainly do the same. 
 
Then, after a time of prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit, equipping from the apostles’ teaching, and encouragement by one another, they went our into their neighborhoods and to the nations to be the church. 
 
And again, we’re to do the same. 
 
Brothers and sisters, that’s our assignment. Let’s be faithful in doing it well. 
 
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
 
Some say there is not rule book or playbook to make it through a pandemic such as the one we currently face; but for the church that’s not entirely true. 
 
We have in the New Testament, and specifically in the book of Acts, a very good template for how to do ministry and how to advance the gospel in any and every context. The medium may change, along with the application, but the message is always the same. 
 
And for that we can be very grateful. 
 
Also, please be patient and supportive to your church pastors and leaders. They’re on their knees right now, asking God for wisdom as they lead His people. 
 
Over history people have experienced many crises and setbacks, but nothing ever hindered the gospel; and that will continue to be true until Jesus returns. 
 
 
³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
 
Acts 28:30-31
 
So let’s lift up one another as we exalt the risen Christ!