The Empty Church

My morning song? Well, I woke up this morning feeling fine! I woke up with heaven my mind, joy in my soul, cause I knew that the Lord had control!

My bride and I were traveling to the UK for our 35th wedding anniversary. We noticed how many of the older church buildings had been converted to other uses – bar, library, restaurant, etc. Some were shuttered, and who knows what they will become.

We were depressed because these magnificent structures, some centuries old, were no longer being used for their intended purpose.

On the flip side, a growing church close to us took over an old movie theatre, leveled the floor, and made a great place for the family to gather. The building was transformed from its intended use!

I’ve been in little churches were no more than 20 could gather, and in arenas were tens of thousands gathered without any issue. Some are nothing more than a beggars porch waiting to be demolished, some are polished as much as a kings palace. Some are ugly. Others are beautiful and pristine.

Regardless, if we’ve learned anything during this current crisis (COVID-19), the church is not a building or a place. It’s people.

The Church Is Empty!

We are incapable of gathering ourselves into a single place to corporately worship the way we have grown accustomed. Consider this. The building we go to celebrate together has often been mislabeled. It’s simply a place. Some think the building is holy, but I am of this opinion:

Christ will return for his people, not the building!

If you think anything else, then consider this. The building is breakable, imperfect and at some point it will no longer be worth salvaging…

Is it worth more than the cost of people. Sometimes we think it’s all about the building. Wrong! It’s all about the people!

Someone tweeted this week a very appropriate observation. Maybe we should think about it.

The early church did not have their own building. When they fled persecution, they congregated wherever they were, and in whatever was available. History tells us they met in caves, the underground sewer system of Rome, and, well, wherever, and whenever!

When Christ returns for his bride, who will go with him? The building? Nope! Remember, it’s all about the people!

Here’s how Paul explained this to the church in Ephesus.

“so that he might present the church to himself in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.”  
Ephesians 5:27 (ESV)

Notice, the church of people will be presented in splendor and absent of any spot, wrinkle or any such issue, holy and not one blemish. It’s not the building! He returns for his bride. You. Me.

Think about it like this, the church (bride, you and I) are to be holy and perfect. Our physical bodies will be imperfect, but what about our spiritual self? We need to focus on the needs of our spiritual identity!

Here’s an important key to surviving these trying times. We are called to celebrate Christ together. Do not forsake it.

“We should not stop gathering together with other believers,
as some of you are doing.
Instead, we must continue to encourage each other
even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.”  
Hebrews 10:25 (GW)

Here’s My Thought

Whether we gather with each other at home, or online in some technological wizardry, we need each other!

For most of us, this has been the most insane time of all. We’ve not been able to work, shop, travel or do any of the other things we do with aplomb. Vacations, weddings, funerals – squelched. Shopping is becoming a distanced affair!

Equally, along with many business, the church building has been shuttered. Think about it! Bills must still be paid, there’s been no one coming in to be a part of services, or reason for existence.

Faithfully, most are continuing to support the church with online giving. Others have mailed their sacrifices, and still, others have approached it personally, face-to-face. Thank you for keeping the faith!

Across the nation and around the world, many churches are living on next to nothing. Evangelists and other traveling ministries have lost their ministry and income.

Everyone is scrambling.

We hope it’s temporary, but again, who knows. It could be the start of some of our worst experiences, and not just a short time issue.

Where is the Focus of the Church Today?

I’ve worried mostly about the aged, shut-in’s, children, and others who are new to their walk with God.

We’ve had new folks just get started at our church while we were on vacation. I’ve not met them! How do we reach them in this state of flux?

Think about it. How do we reach, teach, train, and commission the body? It’s time to start doing with what we have and not waiting for the times to get better!

We have a new baby born during these times, one of these days I’ll get to meet him! Equally, we are blessed we’ve not suffered through funerals. Saying goodbye is so much about touching each other, affirming that those who remain are okay. Will Social Distancing apply even then?

(A local funeral home is working on having online services!)

Regardless, I’ve tried my best to connect and communicate. I’ve posted blogs, shared morning devotionals, made phone calls, emails, text and other social acceptable platforms. My focus has been to make sure that our message is heard on Sunday and Wednesday night.

What’s the challenge to the believers? Don’t stay shut up in your cocoon! Reach out. Show yourself alive! Look for those who are in need and figure out how to do something.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Time will tell.

At our local building, we have an opportunity to expand our space. By faith I’m prepared to step up and take ownership. At the same time, we are so disconnected, and ill-prepared to live through these times. I mean, how many shelves are bare at your store?!!? Will the seats of the church equally be bare at the end of our period of isolation?

I think what the “church” must do is become the church the Bible talks about. It’s people, being the bride of Christ, holy, without blemish, and reaching this world where we happen to be. That includes our internal home structure, neighbors, co-workers, market place, and strangers that show up in our midst. Angels unaware? Anyone? (Hebrews 13:12)

Church! Take a personal accounting of your private world and consider that there are souls hoping and praying for some kind of relief. Could it be you are that angel?

There’s an old song…

Just Across the Bridge

I had lived a life of sin in this world we’re living in
I’ve done forbidden things I shouldn’t do
I asked a beggar along the way, can you tell me where to stay
Where I’d find real happiness and love that’s true

Across the bridge, there’s no more sorrow
Across the bridge, there’s no more pain
The Sun will shine across the river
And you’ll never be unhappy again

Follow the footsteps of the King and you’ll hear the voices ring
They’ll be singing out the glory of the Lamb
The river of Jordan will be near, the sound of trumpets you will hear
You’ll behold the most special place ever known to man

Written by: WALTER SCOTT
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind