Reflection: What the Pandemic Has Done to the Church
Author: Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis, Jr.
In a recent conversation with a retired ministerial colleague, we talked about the challenges facing the United Methodist Church because of the pandemic. He said, “Just look at what has happened to the church! We’ll never be the same!” While he said the comment out of frustration, it caused me to reflect on his statement. I partially agree with what he said. Our churches will never be the same, but hopefully not in the undesirable way he seemed to mean it. The Church as we know it has been forced to change. Accordingly, I want to share some of the changes I think we as the church have encountered and some of the challenges we will continue to face.
The United Methodist Church has been challenged to rise to the occasion of new ways to be the church. Disruptions to our normal patterns have forced us to find new ways to worship and be in ministry. Many pastors and church staff members are providing creative worship, conducting necessary meetings, and communicating with their congregations through electronic means including live streaming, YouTube, Facebook, Google Meet, Zoom, and other forms of technology. Our churches have continued to be in ministry in our communities by volunteering, donating, marching, and serving the needs of others in many varied capacities.
Many folks are relying more on their spiritual resources to provide guidance for these difficult times. Prayer has taken on a wider and deeper meaning. More people are searching the scriptures to discover words of encouragement and hope. While we’re unable to see our church family each week, we are reaching out to stay in touch and check on the well-being of those we cannot see regularly. Reaching out to others with calls and mailings have become daily disciplines.
We have been reminded that our church is not just “a place,” but “a people” called to be the church in action through acts of kindness and compassionate love for others. We are learning the necessity to be open to change for the common good. We are learning that working on issues of social justice will require empathetic dialogue to resolve the problems of racism and inequality. We are indeed being challenged to be the church we were intended to be – persons united in a common faith with a common cause to share the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ!
Yes, church and the way we view it might have changed, but then again some of the positive steps churches have employed will certainly continue when restrictions are no longer imposed. The reality is this: the church is the people! Our basic needs will not have changed nor will our mission. We will continue to need the connection of Christian community and communication in order to be the church at work in the world.
The Apostle Paul reminded the first century church that they were to be “the body of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:27) This continues to be our mission today! Let us respond boldly to the challenges with renewed hope and confidence as we seek t0 be the body of Christ at work in the world!
Musical Inspiration: “We Are the Body of Christ” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y75ozYXGrM
About the Author:
The Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis has been a resident of the Richmond area for 30 years. He served on the Richmond District as senior pastor of Bon Air UMC, and Richmond District Superintendent prior to his retirement. Writing a devotional, “Reflections for the Journey,” is a part of his weekly disciplines.
