The Move Online

Remember yesterday. It feels like it was years ago. 

Earlier today I was a part of another conference call with the clergy of the county. In this call we were informed that by executive order, taking effect this evening, mass gatherings over 50 will be banned until May 11. Even before this executive order, I had planned on discussing with our Leadership Team and Elders over this week if for the love of our neighbors we would move for a season to meeting online for Sunday gatherings. There are important reasons to do this: 

Flattening the Curve - On the way home from church yesterday I was talking with my sister, a surgical Physician's Assistant at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, and asked, “What is the difference between this and the flu? Pretend I know nothing.” Her response, “Not everyone gets the flu at the same time.” Throughout the world we have seen that this virus floods healthcare systems. Flattening the curve is about loving our healthcare workers and giving them a fighting chance. Seeing how things have played out across the world they are in for a challenging time ahead. Keep them in your prayers.

Protection of others - The CDC has given us guidelines for those who are more at risk of contracting and suffering from COVID19. Social distancing keeps those who may be asymptomatic but carriers of the coronavirus away from these populations. Not gathering physically as a church is not simply so we can enjoy church in our pajamas, but is an act of sacrificing our physical community so that we can protect those who are vulnerable.

Understand more about social distancing and flattening the curve here.

I had planned to have these conversations from the standpoint of loving our neighbors stated above. But, we have now had that decision taken out of our hands, even though I believe it is the one our leadership would have made. Narrative’s gathering yesterday was 46 people! WHICH IS AWESOME! But we are averaging between 40 and 80 on a Sunday now. It is time for a shift to gathering online. Matt and I are preparing for Sunday gatherings to make that move.

Tonight I will meet with our Leadership Team and Elders (online) to discuss how we move forward together through these strange waters. But be assured, we will do it together. While the way is unclear, we will not walk alone. Yesterday Paul Krentz shared these wise words from Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

There is nothing in our power that can change the time given to us. But, what will we do? I think of the story of Esther. As her people are being persecuted she knows if she goes before her husband, the king, without a summons she could forfeit her life. Her cousin Mordecai reminds her of her calling and asks, “…who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther asks for prayer, sets her face to the task, and ends up being the catalyst for the salvation of her people from death. 

Let us acknowledge that these are strange times. In this country and possibly in the world we may not have experienced things like this in our life. But, let us as the church be reminded that we may be alive now for such a time as this!

Be on the lookout tomorrow for more details about Narrative’s shift to online and more details about our journey together over the coming months.

Continue to love God and love others. Live the story of Jesus!