Page 34 - Digital Church in a Lonely World
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T OUCH S T AR V A TION



            People are experiencing what is being called “touch starvation.” This is the reduction of basic social
            interactions, such as shaking hands, high-fives, a pat on the back or a hug with a good friend, which
            is causing a range of challenges. Indeed, “Touch starvation increases stress, depression and anxiety,
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            triggering a cascade of negative physiological effects.”  As such, touch starvation stands in stark
            and dramatic contrast to the perception that social media and online platforms meet the need for
            community in younger generations.


            Even the basic human interaction of being together in a room is being missed. Dr. Brian Wind says,
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            “[Physical touch] signals safety, trust and a sense of belonging.”  So why, as pastors, are we timid about
            declaring the need to regather for physical community?


            Human touch is a part of true community. In fact, the ministry of Jesus sets an example of the
            importance of physical touch. Jesus could have done all his teaching like the Sermon on the Mount—
            elevated, at a distance, delivering content. Yet, consider these verses:


                MATTHEW 8:3 (NLT)
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                 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the
                leprosy disappeared.


                MATTHEW 9:29 (NLT)
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                 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

                LUKE 4:40 (NLT)
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                 As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members
                to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed everyone.


            When you think of Thomas placing his hands in the holes in Jesus’s hands, Jesus cooking his disciples
            breakfast, the rugged cross—there is something important about the physicality of these moments. Are
            we valuing the physicality of our faith enough?


            In addition, we see physical touch becoming a practice known as the laying on of hands with the early
            Church.


                HEBREWS 6:2 (AV)
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                 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of
                eternal judgment.








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