This year as we continue to live in a world that doesn’t know from one moment to the next if we are going to be going back to some form of normality, I am reminded of the need to embrace the change, and accept that we are going to be living in a very fluid time.
If last year has taught us anything many of us have come to accept that some of the things that we hold on to as “normal” may never return, or at least not in the way that we have become so accustomed to.
Case and point international travel – even this week our Prime Minister here in New Zealand has admitted that ‘normal’ international travel to just about anywhere in the world may be a long way off as countries continue to grapple with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even limited travel bubbles are on hold as we experience the first community case in approximately 2 months.
Many more countries have or are now in the process of closing their borders and are not anticipating reopening them as per “normal” any time soon – even if the vaccine has been successfully distributed in a particular country.
Expect managed isolation stays and limited travel unless you have been vaccinated as a ‘new normal’.
So how does this affect us in the church? We too need to embrace the change!
I say this because things are not going to necessarily be the same as we strive to comprehend what ‘new thing‘ God is doing in our communities and as we move to impact them with Christ’s message of life and hope – How church will look will very different to what they were just a few short years ago.
Some propose that many churches will not return to pre-covid attendance numbers and that if they do, it will be in a variety of different ways.
i.e. multiple services over multiple days and different times, or even in different locations / settings / buildings etc. and the list could go on…
One of the main examples of change that we need to embrace is the digital world – many churches and Corps around the world have pivoted (the latest buzz word) to use facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to not only keep congregational members connected, but also enabling them to continue worshipping in the comfort of their homes. Which for some didn’t happen previously as when they were unable to attend the Sunday morning service for whatever reason they simply missed out.
In the latest edition of The Officer (A quarterly magazine for Officers of The Salvation Army) the General (Brian Peddle) asks; “‘Who knew’ what opportunities the digital world would offer?”
He goes on to write; “I note, with deep admiration, the courage of those who have literally ‘moved the Army online’. Who knew…
that worship around the world was possible without leaving my couch? (Thank you!)
that an iPad passed through a letter box to a senior who is shielding (protecting people who are at high risk from coronavirus) allowed for the best pastoral visit ever?
that our online prayer meeting at IHQ could grow from 10 in attendance to 60, overnight?
that you can still kneel in your home and respond to the message, accept Christ and give your testimony (online) two weeks later?
The General goes on to say; “In celebrating our digital engagement and our online presence, I joked with a colleague, ‘Wouldn’t it be a good day if the headline could read: “Christians crash the Internet”?’ The Church is not closed! The Church is alive, living and breathing in each missional heart of those who follow and call Him Lord. We will find a way…
So, what does the ‘next normal’ look like? I see…
an Army that has recaptured its creative and adaptive spirit – we can do this!
an Army that is not held back by anything that prevents it in furthering the cause of Christ – Lord, set us free!
an Army that takes its stand, not one that is stuck on immovables, but an Army that pivots and is always turning toward the needs of people, and finally,
an Army that is outward facing, responding to its call to mission – ready, engaged and taking responsibility.
My challenge to The Salvation Army, to us as its leaders, is, ‘don’t re-embrace our “old normal” as if it is the best that God can do’.
‘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’ (Isaiah 43:19)
I propose to you that there is no evidence, biblically or in God’s narrative with his people, that the ‘old model’ is the only thing we must do… He is doing a new thing! Don’t miss it!
Major Martin Gossauer, editor of The Officer adds: “In this time of great need and adversity, there are also positive outcomes: more people are hearing and sharing the gospel online; more people are praying; more people are taking care of and talking to their neighbours. Some church doors may be closed, but we are reminded: we don’t go to church we are the church; The Salvation Army is not a building, the Army is us – you and me, God working through us!”
So, as we approach this new year may we all be reminded that God is doing a “new thing“, and we need to reimagine how we do church in this fluid time that we find ourselves in. We need to embrace the change, even if we don’t fully understand it or even want to, as God is in the business of moving people forward in their journey of faith – just look at the lessons learnt by the Israelites in Exodus as they spent time being led by God in search of the promised land (I’m pretty sure He knew where he was leading them to).
This is something that we will be looking at as Annette starts a new sermon series this coming weekend as we explore ‘the land between’.
And yes this journey may be daunting and scary, a number of us might not be entirely happy with where we are heading – but with God on our side nothing is impossible and we will get through this into a much better place.
Blessings ’til next time 🙂
The life and times of Perry... 