Reason begs to the human mind to comprehend & understand the logic of social distancing in order to protect the spread of the apparently vicious COVID-19 virus. As a result, many businesses whether profit or non profit have moved into the reality of remote work and previously acceptable, large social gatherings like church have either been temporarily eliminated or restricted. The harsh truth is that you cannot do all things online. You cannot get a blood test online; you cannot get a haircut online; and you cannot fill your automobile with gasoline online. You get the picture. Christian Churches have also followed suit, offering online services. But is it the same experience? No. The word church means “assembly” and if you cannot assemble, then you have no church (Acts 7:38). The Book of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of assembling together live in person: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25). When two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, then God resides in their midst (Matthew 18:20). So what is a practical solution to restrictions on mass gatheriengs? Local, intimate assemblies in homes. The early church met in homes where they broke bread together (Acts 2:46). Churches need to be innovative and pivot in difficult times in order for the Gospel to flourish. If successful businesses can do it, so can churches and if they do not work effortlessly to feed their flock, they clearly lack the desire to do their jobs.
Can Church Social Distance?
