This past year has been a rollercoaster ride. The global pandemic caused by COVID-19, the loss of loved ones due to the virus, government regulations, on top of racial tensions that were spurned from the public execution of George Floyd, have all contributed to the chaotic year of 2020.
Though 2020 was a chaotic year, if we sit, reflect and review some of the lessons that God has allowed us to learn, we can see the many opportunities that He has given His Church particularly in the west, to grow spiritually, as well as to expand His Kingdom. Lessons Learned: (1) The Church Building is not necessary in order for us to function as the Church. (2) The Body of Christ is more effective at building the Kingdom when its dispersed on a consistent basis rather than spending the majority of time inside the walls of the Building. (3) The convenience of Zoom has made life easier for Church Leaders with Children. It takes a lot getting children packed up and taken to babysitters or leaving a spouse home with multiple children while one spouse attends a meeting. (4) Social media platforms used correctly, expand the reach of the local Church. What was once a local ministry can be transformed into a global ministry. (5) People need each other. If COVID-19 showed us anything, it showed us that human beings need each other. A hug, a face to face conversation, laughter, we were created by God to be in community with each other. (6) The gospel is relevant and still needed. With all of the political, racial, and socio-economic chaos that's going on in the world, the world needs saving. Jesus is still in the saving business. (7) The Church is God's vehicle to impact the world and grow His Kingdom. This doesn't always look like we think it should, but that doesn't mean it's less effective. (8) If a local church doesn't change its METHOD, as life happens (COVID-19 restrictions, etc.), there is a greater risk of a local church dying. (9) We need God's WORD!!! We don't know everything and we desperately need God's direction. (10) When we do what God tells us to do, when He says it, and how He says it, we will be successful no matter the obstacle we are facing. With restrictions being lifted, there is a temptation to go back to what we deem as normal. I want to encourage every Church leader, and lay member. Apply the lessons learned and don't be afraid to continue to venture outside of what we used to refer to as normal.
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AuthorHusband, Father, Red-Letter Christian, Preacher of the Gospel. Archives
June 2021
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