Photo by Adam Solomon on Unsplash
Church Leaders,
How will your church respond in the wake of COVID-19? As this epidemic spreads, we see government officials, CEOs, and school districts cancelling events and recommending that people stay home avoiding in-person gatherings.
In my local community alone, organizations like University of Washington and Microsoft have made the shift to online classes and remote working.
Worldwide, we are seeing this shift as well.
Pope Francis has cancelled his main public appearances to help stop the coronavirus from spreading. Instead, he will stream his talks online.
As a pastor, your community is looking to you for leadership, direction, comfort and unbreakable faith. Coronavirus fears means we need each other MORE, not less. You will have to get creative if you want to bring people together as more people are forced to stay home.
Since the CoronaVirus hit the USA, we have seen a steep spike in social networks like Facebook and YouTube. Now is the time to consider your online presence more than ever before.
Here are 4 simple ways you can help keep people connected using social media:
- Host a live service or prayer time for your church and local community using Facebook Live.
- Post credible resources to help people deal with anxiety, illness and isolation.
- Get the free YouVersion Bible APP on your phone. Invite people to join you to study the Bible and pray online.
- Assemble an online team of people to stay in touch as a congregation and those most isolated through telephone, Facebook messenger, IG, or WhatsAPP.
I want to close with a 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 you can share with your community:
By Dr. Don Ross – Northwest Ministry Network
Father, you have called us as a church to bring the hope of Jesus to the communities we serve. We do this first by trusting you and refusing to give in to fear. While we recognize during this season both wisdom and prudence are needed, our ultimate trust is not in our own actions but in You.
Father, I pray that you will protect your people from infection and disease. You said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Ex. 15:26)
We recognize that we live in a fallen world and that sin abounds and that disease is part of mankind’s fall. We also recognize that our
savior came to rescue us from sin and by faith we receive both our salvation, protection and healing, so we do not give in to fear.
Father, I lift up those who need healing in their bodies and trust you by faith to intervene. Father, your Word says that by Jesus’ wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2:24 ). We stand in faith with our brothers and sisters for your power to be manifested in their bodies to your glory and their benefit.
I further pray that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this season, let your peace be a gift to us, as a token of your never-ending love, that your will, will be done in our life, no matter what. We refuse to give in to fear.
Thank you for the promise of your Word that says, “They cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivers them out of their distresses. He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction” (Psalm 107:19-20). You are our hope, therefore we do not fear.
I pray especially for those dealing with the Corona Virus. I pray for our doctors, nurses, clinics and hospitals. Give them your wisdom to combat this virus. I pray that your people will stand out as beacons of hope, refusing to be afraid and bring hope to communities locked in fear.
Your grace enables us to continue to trust you. For centuries your people, in difficult times, have found purpose and meaning by enduring and trusting you. Only your grace allows us to find purpose and meaning. Thank you for such a wonderful gift. Teach us to walk boldly in hope and never give in to fear.
Father, we know our days are numbered, and that you have given us life, and we are grateful that we are sustained each day by your love. Your Word says, “…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalms 139:16)
Thank you for filling us with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for using us to reach our generation with the gospel. We have invested our days in your purpose and in the mission of the gospel of Jesus. During seasons like this, where fear is rising among our cities, let us be the light and hope you’ve called us to be.
Father, thank you for walking through each season of our lives with us. You are a good Father, and your love for us is unfathomable. Come what may, you hold us firmly in your hand. Thank you for saving us through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus. We refuse to be afraid and we trust you with our future, and all our days are in your control. Amen.
If you need other ideas or help on the technical end, please reach out to me. I am happy to share what I know.
Angela
What do you think?