I didn’t want to do it. The last thing a pastor ever wants to do is cancel a worship service. Of all the things we pastors do, I, at least, consider preaching God’s Word to be the most vital. This has been an immense internal struggle for me. A large part of our congregation is not online, so creating a virtual service of some sort would be most difficult and questionably effective. That being said, we have decided to cancel services and activities for the next two weeks.
Our district leadership recommended this course of action. Much of our congregation would be included in the most susceptible group and so this action is likely prudent. So while we are separated, what can we do? Well for starters we can check in on our friends and neighbors. The utter hysteria and hoarding that have come as a result of this illness will leave some short on resources, so please share what you have with those in need. Lastly, there are a lot of quality ministries on TV, be sure to tune in, study God’s Word and of course, pray.
I won’t lie, there’s a part of me that feels like I’m caving in to the hysteria in cancelling services, but I feel it’s a better course of action than putting those we love at risk unnecessarily. Between the information and the misinformation it’s hard to know what the truth is. Friends, the truth is God is in control and this too shall pass. Romans 8 reminds us: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Trust God. He will bring us through.