Page 84 - COVID-19 and the Church_eBOOK

Their reasoning was, because they believed the
church was just as essential as healthcare professionals,
law enforcement officers and first responders.

They sure got an awful lot of “Amens”and high fives
for that one. The members loved it. Perhaps, these pastors
and their members didn’t realize they could continue
church without putting the people they serve, at risk for
the coronavirus. They weren’t ordered to shut down the
church… just the buildings.
But, if that’s how these preachers really feel, that’s
okay. However, they should be aware that the essential
workers in every field just named, understand that they
are risking their lives to accomplish their tasks.

They believe so much in what they’re doing, that
they’re willing to “put their lives” on the line. Many of
these brave men and women have died… and no one is
surprised. It’s all part of being essential. So, why is the
church so surprised when “essential” workers of the
cloth die from the virus, the same as all the others?

Preachers Refuse To Believe Their Own Preaching—
It would be wonderful if they really believed what
they are saying. Keep in mind the coronavirus is a new
experience for the modern church. We’ve been preaching
about “end-time” famines and plagues for centuries. But
when they finally strike, preachers refuse to believe
their own preaching.
I honestly don’t think most of these “essential”
pastors understood (or understand, even now) God’s
hand in this lethal COVID. Pastors and Bishops are
accustomed to being in control of things. They get
uncomfortable when they’re not personally dictating
their church’s every movement.