Churches, Learn From–but Stop Blaming–Covid
It’s been five years.
Five years ago from the publication date of this post, the world was still basically shut down. Though a few things in a few places were starting to try to open up again, the world was a very different place.
Churches were not immune to those changes. Every congregation was navigating waters that were very odd. (So, please, do not read the rest of this article as if I am saying that covid wasn’t real or that leaders didn’t do the best they could!)
But read that first line again: it’s been five years.
Are there lessons that congregations should have learned during 2020? Of course. And I pray that elders, preachers, and others have learned a great deal.
But, it’s been five years. Please stop blaming covid for everything now!
I hear from people all over the place who continue to talk about “before covid” and “now.” They are talking about attendance numbers, usually. They were devastated by how many did not come back. Some lost a few members to the virus. A few lost members over their covid policies.
It hurt. There’s not doubt about it.
But that was five years ago. It is time to stop blaming covid for the problems you face now! It is time to look at how best to evangelize, and get out there and do it. It is time to quit talking about how things were “before covid,” and trust that God has a plan for your congregation now, if you will just dig in and get back to work.
Keep trying to reach those who didn’t come back, but don’t let that be all you are doing. Teach the lost in your area. Be a shining light in your community.
(And if there are people who are still scared…just let them be scared. You do the work that Jesus has you here to do.)
Learn the lessons, yes. But quit using the same blame game, because it really isn’t worth it any longer.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn