Grace Baptist Partnership April 2020 News&Views: COVID-19 Special

In light of the global Coronavirus pandemic, I was asked to submit the “Views” column for Grace Baptist Partnership’s April 2020 News&Views offering brief thoughts as to how churches can and should respond to the challenges posed by this season. Do have a look at this News&Views, and be encouraged by how this family of churches are responding to the present crisis: http://www.gracebaptistpartnership.org.uk/april-news-and-views-2/


COVID-19 Special – Ryan King 


All of us have been through crises. None of us have been through a global pandemic. There is a real sense that we are all finding our feet, but I hope we are not just now finding our footing - “on Christ the Solid Rock we stand!” How can we respond as churches to the challenges of COVID-19? 


New challenges, old paths.

The good way of the Lord leads to rest for weary souls (Jeremiah 6:16). God has prepared us for this time, if we were listening. Point one another relentlessly to Scripture. Your medium may be different, with a heavier almost exclusive reliance on technology. Your message should be the same, though contextually applies to speak to the actual issues of today.


Don’t waste your quarantine.

Self-isolation need not mean vegetation. The Apostle Paul wrote Scripture, preached salvation, and prayed in the Spirit from a prison cell. There are more resources than ever at our disposal to bless and be blessed behind closed doors. Have you complained about “not having enough time” to seriously pursue spiritual activity or personal development? God’s now given you time and space. Steward it well. That may mean rest and refreshment. It won’t mean laziness.


Lockdown does not mean lay down.

We should so far as we are able comply with government guidance for the common good. Those who are young, strong, and healthy should seek ways of caring for the vulnerable and self-isolating. Leaflet neighbours offering to help...and then do an excellent job helping them. Don’t want to go out? Make welfare-check phone calls. Text encouragements. Offer to help church leaders with computer based tasks. Read. Write. Record. And if working from home, actually work! Don’t let “Stay Safe" or "Praying for you during this time" become the new "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" (James 2:16). Are we a fan club or a fellowship? Consumerist chapel-goers or a caring community?


Neither fearful nor flippant.

We live in a world of death. Christ died to free us from the enslaving fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Live in that freedom! But don’t be flippant. Death is an enemy against which we do well to rage. A truly pro-life ethic will seek to safeguard the vulnerable and elderly as much as the unborn and infants - they too bear God’s image and their humanity should not be sacrificed on the altar of economy. 


Humble and hopeful.

What on earth is going on? We don’t have a clue, and should have the humility to say so. But we have a glimpse of what in heaven is going on: “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Encouragements from privileged celebrities to “Imagine there’s no Heaven” offer no hope to a bereaved world, and “all the people living for today” is not imagination but a reality that has left many helpless and hurting. The church has someone better: Jesus. The church has something greater: the power of his resurrection.