The 4 C's: Churches Changing through Corona Crisis

I am not a prophet. I do not want to be. I will gladly leave that to others like Elijah, Isaiah, and Daniel.  However, I can put 1 + 1 together along with cause and effect. Undoubtedly, the Corona Crisis is changing the church. Who knows where the changes will end? Will the church go back to the old normal? Will there be churches who will die out never to open their doors again? To defeat the doubts and worries that anxiety can usher in, we must bathe our lives in the Scriptures.

The Corona Crisis did not surprise God. Nope. He knew that it was coming all along. Slowly read the last sentence again. He knew it was coming all along. He began by emphasizing that He is the God of peace and will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. He has promised us deliverance.  Dwelling on verses such as Hebrews 11:1 and Romans 10:13 will remind us of our responsibilities (faith and trust), while exhorting us to let God be God and let Him take care of the rest! 

My church has painfully learned the truth of Hebrews 10:25 but in a different context. In the past this verse has been faithfully explained to mean, “Come to the church at 2300 Siler City Glendon Road.” Presently, the word “church” has changed from the building, to the people of the church.  Whether we are seated
in our cars listening to the long-winded preacher or laughing online at another’s crazy hair, the church functions as a body of believers worshipping God. Period. 

The changes in the 2020 vision of the church are extraordinary. Practically, let me step out on a very shaky limb with some educated guesses at what will come next.  Some of these predictions are positive; unfortunately, some are negative.

Jeff’s Top 10 Predictions of the Future of the Church 

1. Online meetings such as the “Zoom” website will replace many physical classes. Churches will be stretched technologically. (This may be a good thing.)

2. There will be a decrease in “sacred cow” issues within churches. Our churches must be willing to change our practice and duties, while never changing our theology. I believe we’ll hear less of, “Well, we’ve never done it that way before” as an excuse not to try something new. 

3. Pastors changing churches on an average of every three years will end. Pastors will think twice about leaving a church due to extraneous, fickle issues. This equals longer pastoral stays, which in most cases, is a good element.

4. People’s dress will not be a “do or die” issue; their presence will.  

5. Visitors will be welcomed…but, only from afar.  

6.  The age of the “brotherly kiss,” hugging, even hand-shaking has ended.

7. “Virtual” church membership will be a new fad. How this will flesh out, I have no idea. 

8. 10 % of churches will die. Yes … that means 1 out of every 10. 

9. Church budgets will suffer. Missions-giving will slump. Many pastors may be forced to get a second job. 

10. The Gospel of Jesus Christ will be victorious. 

Some of these predictions will not come true. Others, I’m afraid will. However, I’m writing in theory with only
suppositional facts to back up my hunches. Let’s try and control what we can: how should the church respond?

First, we should follow the advice of the experts. Follow the charts. Hopefully, follow the downward-trending curve. Second, pray for renewal in the church - beginning with the leadership. Third, model peace, physically and spiritually, within the church to a world at war with God. Forth, ask God how you can be a difference in your community circles. 

As a result of the Corona virus, the church has changed. The churches who flourish and grow, will be those who morph and change in practice and thought. May we be the type of church who is flexible and pliable. After all, these are the perfect plans God had for His church from the beginning of time.

May God heal our land through our church, our family, and through me.