The church is not the building! No doubt, you've heard that before.
The church is people, indwelt by and empowered by the Spirit of God, who serve God's glorious purposes by using the gifts of the Spirit He has entrusted to us.
The Corona virus epidemic has quite literally catapulted the church out of our buildings, and perhaps out of an old paradigm. Perhaps for too long we have overly associated the church with buildings, programs and performances.
For sure, there will always be a need for the church to gather. But maybe we have overplayed the gathered church and underplayed the importance of the scattered church which Jesus spoke about in Acts 1:8, when He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In 2020, with the Corona virus epidemic, the church globally is out of our buildings and scattered about in our communities. This can feel very disconcerting not to be able to gather. But this can be a unique time of tremendous witness in our communities to the love, compassion and hope of God.
Look around and you'll see the scattered church using their gifts to serve God's purposes. People are using their gifts of healing. People are using their gifts of serving and helping. People are using their gifts of encouragement. People are using their gifts of counseling. People are using their gifts of giving and generosity. People are using their gifts of wisdom. Some amazing things are being done right now.
Now you are the church! And do let me ask, as the church, are you engaged in the mission of the church? Are you serving God's mission and purposes by using the gifts He has entrusted to you? Would love to hear from you. brian@brianharpell,com