The COVID Collision Course
Needless to say, 2020 has been a unique and challenging year for everyone (including churches) because of the COVID pandemic. Should churches open? Should they close? Should masks be required? The list goes on and on! Now with things beginning to open, church leaders face a new challenge… Division!
That’s right, after a year of COVID restrictions, everyone has an opinion and now they are returning back to church. Yikes!!! How can church leadership be prepared for this potential COVID collision course?
1. Remember Division Is Not a New Problem
Division within the church has been a problem from the very beginning. In fact, when you read through many of Paul’s letters to local churches, there seems to be a Jewish vs. Gentile challenge. Don’t forget that Jews and Gentiles came from very different backgrounds politically, culturally, spiritually, and relationally. Then when they became Christians and attended church together, division was an issue. This is why Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus with these words…
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
In other words, unity requires a lot of effort and hard work. Division comes easy, but unity is an ongoing challenge. So don’t be discouraged when your church congregants are divided over COVID. Recognize this has been a common problem in the church for millennia. The key isn’t to try to unify over COVID, but to stay focused on Jesus and to work on compassion and understanding toward one another.
2. Stay Away from Political Debates
Political persecution is nothing new to the church. From the very beginning, Jesus and His followers endured opposition by political leaders. Jesus even promised this would happen to you and me!
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. John 15:20a
In fact, it was the persecution of the church that ultimately caused the Gospel to spread around the world!
It is also important to remember that Jesus never conflated the spiritual with the political. In other words, He didn’t lead a political revolution like the zealots of His day. Nor did Jesus engage in political debates when tempted by the Pharisees…
Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. Matthew 22:17-22
The Apostle Paul also reminds Christians of this truth and to be law-abiding citizens:
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13:1-2
Therefore, it is important for church leadership to remember we are called to lead people spiritually. Don’t be baited into political arguments! Naively, congregants will often conflate American politics with spiritual truths. Leaders must resist the temptation to engage and stay focused on the Lord and His word. Remember Jesus wasn’t a Democrat, Republican, or even an American!
If you need additional help with church division issues, we are here to help!! Please don’t hesitate to contact Revive Consulting for a free consultation to discuss how we can provide assistance and support for your current leadership challenge.