Converge MidAtlantic Responds: COVID-19

“God has not given us a spirit of timidity,
but of power, love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Dear pastors and friends, 

As you know, the status of the Coronavirus pandemic is changing rapidly, and it presents a challenging situation for our communities.  As I write this, the governor of Maryland just announced the closure of schools for two weeks and has banned all gatherings over 250 people.  Other states are making similar decisions.  This is a new infection that we don’t fully understand.  However, we have learned some things from the experiences in China and Italy.  Too many people becoming sick at the same time can overwhelm the healthcare system, making it difficult to save lives.  Older people and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions are more vulnerable to getting seriously sick.  Social distancing and diligent hygiene practices like washing hands is an effective way to reduce the spread of the virus.  And, the next few weeks are very important to slowing down the effects of the pandemic. 

“God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).  As we look around us, it can seem like many people in this moment are making decisions based on fear.  Jesus teaches us a different way.  Because of our faith in God’s grace and sovereignty, Christians are able to respond to uncertainty with wisdom and compassion.  Carey Nieuwhof wrote a helpful blog where he encourages pastors to respond with leadership, not reaction-ship.  This is what congregations need from their spiritual leaders.  It is good to show confidence in God’s providence.  With peace, you can make decisions that lead Christians to unselfishly care for one another through any crisis. 

In this moment, it’s important to do our part to protect our vulnerable friends and neighbors by not risking unnecessary exposure in the next few weeks.  Here are a couple of decisions that some of our churches are implementing: 

• canceling weekend services and church activities for 1-3 weeks; 
• streaming services online so people can participate from home; 
• Increasing sanitation and handwashing areas throughout the church building; 
• encouraging people to stay home if they are sick or caring for someone who is sick; 
• practicing “elbow bumps” instead of hugging or shaking hands; 
• taking care of elderly or vulnerable church members and neighbors by buying groceries or running errands for them; 
• working with other churches and consulting with public health agencies; 
• mobilizing prayer efforts.  

There are many other appropriate responses.  It is wise to focus on actions that are already part of your church culture and ministry.  Make sure that you communicate clearly what you are doing and why you are doing it—website, email, phone chain, mass texts, whatever it takes.  Your leadership can always be a voice of peace that points people to our Lord Jesus.     

These are not easy decisions for you and your church leaders.  I am praying for you as you consider your next steps.  Moreover, I pray for God’s mercy that lives will be spared and that Jesus will receive glory. 

Here are some helpful resources for your church that I’ve read in recent days. 

• “Crisis Leadership, Christian Leadership, and the Coronavirus Epidemic” by Carey Nieuwhof 

• “Coronavirus, Christians, and a Christ-Centered Response” by Christianity Today 

• “Responding to Highly Contagious Illnesses” by Church Law & Tax 

• “Preparing Your Church for Coronavirus” from the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Brian Weber