We are Still Disciples

“[Do] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day [of Christ] approaching.” -- Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

In recent days the threat of COVID-19 has prohibited most of our churches from following this apostolic directive. For the sake of the health of our communities, we are unable to meet in our traditional places of worship. This time has been replaced creatively by pastors, church staff, and lay leaders by using Facebook live, Zoom, and other platforms to stream worship services from sanctuaries, pastors’ homes, and even from the outdoors.

We talk about and practice the concept of the gathered and scattered church--the church gathers for worship, prayer, and study, then scatters to the community to serve. In both situations, we are the church, whether we are assembled in one place or in our homes, schools, or businesses. In the present situation, our gathering is virtual around smartphones, tablets, laptops, or TV sets. Being scattered is a given.

My friend Libby Grammer recently shared on Facebook this statement by Stacy L. Sanchez: “We aren’t called to fill the pews with members; we are called to fill the world with disciples.” This is a wonderful reminder that the church is not a place; the church is the people of God. Certainly, we would like to meet together to shake hands, hug, and encourage one another but we can still support one another as the people of God scattered across our communities. We can still be on mission in serving others. This has not changed.

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