Churches

I have a thought I want to share, but not argue about. 

It has to do with churches.

Last week the president declared that all churches should be wide open, even though being indoors and singing is one of the easiest ways to spread the Corona virus.

Immediately churches issued statements saying church is more than a building, it is the people.

It is a wonderful sentiment. One I hope does not backfire the next time the church building needs a major repair. Or the governing board realizes a quick way to make money would be to sell the church building. After all, if the church is more than a building, and it is the people, who needs a church building? 

Church buildings are expensive to maintain. Might be best to just have one church in town for photo ops and all the churches chip in to maintain that.

Much cheaper, right?

I do understand the sentiment is deeper. It is while the virus is happening and it is potentially deadly to meet indoors together, the people are still doing the work of the church. However, once it is safe enough to gather in person, we do miss everyone and more happens when we are together.

Meanwhile, churches are learning there are benefits to offering worship online. At the American Church in Paris they used to have 650 people worshiping at three services. Now they have 1,000 viewing online from over 70 countries. Definitely interest in online worship.

Governor Murphy indicated he will allow churches to meet again by June 12, with certain as yet to be named rules and regulations. We'll see what happens.

Meanwhile the church can function now without its building because of the years of building trust and friendship among the congregation. Online worship is not meant to replace the brick and mortar church, only enhance it.

Be careful.