A New Normal?

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16: 33

There have been all manner of posts, blogs, vlogs extolling the great virtues to us of the effect of the virus on our lives and how it has benefitted the planet – pollution down, wildlife able to roam more freely, the ability to hear birdsong in the quiet and so on. These are all wonderful things though they must be counterbalanced by sickness, death, loss of jobs and an inability to meet family and friends face to face, all of which are taking their toll.

I wondered though about the spiritual benefits and difficulties to Christians and the Church. All the church buildings in UK have had to close but that does not mean the Church has gone into hibernation. In fact it seems that the Church is flourishing.

Many churches are now providing a Sunday service online and even those whose churches do not have a service, have an overwhelming choice to join other church services. Even those with no internet may be provided for with sermons on CD. What is fascinating is how many people watch these online services – far more than go to the church building on a Sunday.

Worship has always been freely available online but now musicians are being incredibly creative in exploring how to knit together musicians and singers separated in person but one virtually. There are some wonderful worship hymns and songs out there. 

Small groups too can easily meet online during the week to strengthen and encourage one another and most churches are being very diligent in making sure their flocks are being looked after in every way. Phone calls, online chats and even popping by to drop off supplies can mean the lonely get to see a familiar face.

Families are meeting together to pray and read the Bible. Churches are having daily devotionals posted online to keep their flock strong. 

Prayer meetings are flourishing online and more people seem to be attending these than would normally go to the church building. Taking communion together online is another novel experience. There are even online Alpha courses. Children are having their own devotionals posted online to keep them strong.

Many, including children, are experiencing visions and dreams – though a word of caution – not everything that says it is from the Lord, is from above. One wise person said to me that there was far too many dubious opinions about the virus, how it started and when it might end, and what God is doing that he is just staying in the Word.

There is also no doubt that people are far more open to the Gospel and the amount of media attention given to the real meaning of Easter here in UK was amazing. The Queen, bless her, can be relied upon to gently but clearly show the importance of her faith and love for the Lord.

All this is fantastic and I love how the Church has stepped up to the challenge in incredibly creative ways to manage this unique situation and come out well. This leads though to the need for an exit strategy for the church as well as the nation. How will church look when we are released back into freedom? If it is business as usual, we have missed something. Surely this is a training time to grow in our own faith when isolated physically from other believers and to find fresh ways to reach more people with the Gospel who might not come through church doors.

New Christians are not used to going to church on Sunday mornings and may prefer to have an online church at a different time. Parents of young children will certainly like online small groups meaning they do not need babysitters.

An online Alpha course where you and your friend can meet together with others may be very appealing to those unused to church.

If more people prefer online prayer and let’s face it there has never been as much prayer as there is now, this has to be something to pursue. I have been involved in an online prayer meeting for years, long before the virus broke out, and we come together each week from all over the UK and even aboard.

The options available to the Church seem to be limitless and I feel it is so important that we pray into the future and what our own church needs to be exploring and how the Church in the nation needs to maintain the momentum generated by this crisis and resist every temptation to go back to how things were before.  There is no doubt this is a new day, a new season, no turning back, no turning back. This is the day for a new normal.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.²⁰ The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen ²¹ the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43: 19 – 21