As disrupting as the coronavirus is to our lifestyles today, it does provide the church with the opportunity to engage in some much-needed ministries. Many school districts have canceled classes for the next few weeks. This has an impact on many children who depended on the schools for their meals each day. I understand some school systems are ensuring that these children continue to receive their meals, but this is also an opportunity for churches to step up and ensure these children do not go hungry.
Schools shutting down also puts pressure on working families who may not have someone who can watch the children during the day. This could be an important ministry for churches to consider. Families could suffer greatly if working parents had to miss work to care for their children until schools resume. In some cases, it could cost the parents their jobs, and, even worse, if children are left along without safe supervision it could be even more devastating to the child and the family. Without going through all the hoops to open a day-care facility, perhaps people in the church could watch these children during this time when schools are suspended.
Many colleges and universities have shut down and sent their students home. What about international students who may be unable to return home? Could church members open up their homes for these students to live until things return to normal?
I understand that some stores are reserving the first hour they are open for senior citizens to shop. That is wonderful. but are there seniors in your community who need someone to take them to the stores or assist them in getting the supplies they need? Is your church keeping check on your seniors to make sure they are not dealing with illness? Do some of them need transportation to be checked for the virus?
Yesterday in this space I commented on the churches who live streamed their worship services. Churches who do not normally do that need to have some discussion about continuing doing so. I have to believe there were people who watched church services on social media this past Sunday who would have never attended a service in person.
In a world in which many believe Christians care not for the needs of those outside the church, this is a great opportunity to show them how wrong they are. Many people are frightened and confused right now. They need to believe that things are going to get better, and the Christian message is a message of hope. Many also have physical needs and are fearful they are not going to be able to have those met. What a wonderful time for the church to be the church and address those needs!
In AD 361 Julian "The Apostate" assumed leadership of Rome. He received this nickname because he was the first Roman ruler after Constantine to reject Christianity. He did many things to stamp out Christianity in the Roman Empire but was not successful. After he took office a plague hit the city of Caesarea, one of the larger cities in the Roman Empire. Many people left the city, but the Christians remained caring for those who were sick.
As a result of their actions Julian wrote to one of his pagan priests, "When it came about that the poor were neglected and overlooked by the [pagan] priests, then I think the impious Galilaeans [His term for Christians] observed this fact and devoted themselves to philanthropy....[They] support not only their poor, but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us." He went on to suggest that the pagan priests be as devoted to the poor and sick as were the Christians.
We live in a time where the church can do much good. As James reminded us, "Faith without works is dead." I encourage you to look at the community God has given you and find the ministries most needed during the difficult time. I'm sure if God gives you a vision for the need He will also give you the resources and the will to meet it.
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