
The Definition of a False Prophet – According to Jesus
April 15, 2020
Sermon: Praying the Word
May 21, 2020
As with other pastors, the last several weeks have brought intense challenges and difficult decisions as our congregation walks through the COVID-19 crisis. One of the most disheartening things to observe during this time, has been seeing believers shaming churches who have decided to remain open. I can certainly understand why people would not agree with that decision, but I could also see the other side. To give some context: the church where I serve as pastor has not been having any in-person meetings since mid/late March. We don’t own a building and we felt like God gave us a long-term strategy for how to walk through this season and relaunch on the other side. But I have observed this shaming across social media.
I want to ask some questions and make some observations, to perhaps bring a different perspective.
A “Black Market” Water Baptism
A few weeks ago, one of our church elders and I baptized a new believer. He had reached out to his church and asked to be baptized, but was told they could not do it during the lockdown. He was eager to obey the Lord in water baptism and did not want to wait.
When I found out about this situation through one of our church members, we arranged for him to be baptized at a pond. Our actions violated the stay-at-home order and COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. However, we didn’t do this to be rebellious against a governor’s orders, but to be obedient to the Lord’s command. There is a difference. How could I in good conscience deny a new believer water baptism? Isn’t baptizing new disciples part of the Great Commission that Jesus gave us to fulfill?
Situations like this highlight some of the complexities of what pastors and churches are navigating during this time. We are trying to balance what it looks like to be obedient to the Lord and Scriptural mandates, have concern for public health and safety, tend to the spiritual health and needs of our congregation, honor unprecedented government orders; all the while, filtering through the rapidly changing information (and misinformation), opposing perspectives (even from experts), and strong various opinions of the public. This is not a simple situation with simple solutions!
I walked away from the water baptism incident with a simple and clear thought: Social distancing is ultimately incompatible with Christianity. In other words, it is impossible to adhere to social distancing guidelines and fulfill basic Christian practices, such as water baptism, at the same time. This doesn’t mean we should be flippant or throw wisdom aside. But it brings up an important question that I believe needs to be asked:
How Long Are We Supposed to Set Aside Essential Christian Practices?
I know there are strong opinions about how the church should respond to this crisis, and valid perspectives on different sides. My intention is not to stir controversy, but to ask believers to think clearly about some things and spark healthy dialogue. Let’s set aside emotionally-charged, knee-jerk reactions and look at some things biblically.
In order to strictly follow the current government orders in the state of Pennsylvania where I live, we cannot do the following foundational practices of Christianity:
- Water baptism (Matthew 28:19)
- Assembling together (Hebrews 10:25)
- Corporate prayer (Matthew 18:19-20, Acts 1:14)
- Fellowship with one another (Acts 2:42)
- Laying on of hands for healing, commissioning, baptism in the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:2, Mark 16:18)
- Anointing the sick with oil to pray over them (James 5:14-15)
- Worshipping together in song (Colossians 3:16, Acts 13:1-2)
- Receiving communion together (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)
Understand that these are substantial doctrines and practices of the Christian faith, not side issues. While it would seem reasonable to pause these types of activities for a few weeks during a crisis, how long are we supposed to set these practices aside? I don’t expect our governor to fully understand Christian doctrines, but I do expect him to uphold our constitutional right to practice our faith without government interference.
Pennsylvania’s Governor, Tom Wolf, has thankfully kept religious institutions on the “essential” list, but has strongly encouraged them not to gather, and to adhere to the stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. In other states, some mayors and governors have been very explicit in trying to force churches to abide by government orders. Some pastors have actually been arrested for holding church services…government overreach and infringement on constitutional rights seems to be happening in an unprecedented and alarming way.
Some are shouting, “You can do church online!” But it’s just not that simple. I am certainly thankful for technology, and I see much value in using online ways of connecting with others and reaching people. But online services and Zoom meetings aren’t church; at least not in the true sense of the word, which literally carries the meaning of assembling together. Simply consider that much of the above list is impossible to do online. So, let’s not pretend it’s the same thing. Again, there are fundamental Christian doctrines and practices that simply cannot be done under current government orders.
What About the Risk?
But aren’t churches putting people at risk if they meet? I am aware that some people have reportedly contracted the virus and/or died after going to a church meeting (the media loves to highlight and mock these churches and pastors). But certainly, people have also contracted the virus and/or died after going to the grocery store, gas station, Wal-mart, hospital, nursing home, an “essential” business, etc. Why aren’t these places being shamed and mocked for remaining open? And are we supposed to hide out in our homes indefinitely? Shouldn’t people have freedom to decide whether or not to take a risk?
We’ve been told that we must love our neighbor, and that the only way to demonstrate this love is to strictly obey the government orders. But again, it’s not that simple. Let’s think clearly about this. Is staying home really the only way to love our neighbor? And which neighbor are we supposed to love?
- What about the neighbor who is depressed and suicidal, and is in desperate need of personal human contact?
- What about the neighbor who is a single mom and has no way of paying for food or who needs help at her house?
- What about the children and wives being abused at an increased rate during this crisis?
- What about the millions of neighbors who are now unemployed and the business owners who have lost a lifetime’s work in a few short months?
- What about the neighbor who needs personal prayer ministry or pastoral care?
Do these neighbors simply not count?
Can we please stop making blanket statements and shaming people who are not fully buying into the continued lock-down orders? Let’s stop being so narrow-minded and admit that this situation is not as simple as, “If you don’t fully comply with the government’s orders, you want people to die.” That is ridiculous!
At What Point Must We Obey God over Man?
I respect the various decisions that pastors and churches have made during this unprecedented and unpredictable time, whether that is to livestream services, do parking lot services, continue to meet in-person, or find creative ways to minister. Churches should not be shamed for closing their doors or told that they “don’t have enough faith” if they choose not to gather. But churches should not be shamed for keeping their doors open either. If they are doing it out of a conviction that they are obeying God and being faithful to the Scriptures, then we should fully support this. Certainly, there are clear biblical reasons for this approach.
I understand the reasoning behind the lockdown: “flatten the curve” and keep the hospital systems from being overwhelmed. But the curve has been flattened, the hospitals are not overwhelmed (in fact, they have been “underwhelmed” in my area), and now there is no end in sight to the lockdown in our state. It keeps getting extended as though we are being strung along. How is this sustainable?
Pastors and churches, I believe it is time to ask some questions: how long can we follow the governor’s orders (which are not laws, by the way) and also be obedient to the Lord and faithful to Scripture? How long are we supposed to set aside basic Christian practices? The answers to these questions are going to be different for every leader and every church, but they are worth asking.
We’ve seen a lot of believers trumpeting Romans 13, but it might be time to consider Acts 5:29: “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Let’s not forget that the same person who wrote Romans 13 (the apostle Paul) had a reputation for disregarding the government’s edicts in favor of obeying a higher King named Jesus (see Acts 17:6-7). Again, the key point here is not rebellion against the government, but obedience and allegiance to God first and foremost.
I honor our government and respect our elected officials. The only time we as believers should go against a government’s laws/orders is when they violate our conscience or the clear commands of Scripture. In the current COVID-19 crisis, things have not exactly been crystal clear, black-and-white, or cut-and-dried. There is room for differing approaches.
What does obedience to God look like at this time? When should churches begin to gather? I am not saying that churches should open. I am not saying churches should remain closed. I am simply suggesting that every church and leader should be seeking God as to how He is leading them, whether or not it is in agreement with the government’s orders.
I have prayed. I have processed. Our church’s leadership team has sought God’s direction. Our church has voluntarily complied with the orders and not held in-person meetings for many weeks, and we don’t regret this. But we can no longer wait for a governor’s permission, a permission he never truly had authority to withhold or grant in the first place. For us, obedience to God at this time means to begin gathering again. We will start by having some prayer meetings in different locations as we prepare for a full relaunch of church services in the coming weeks. We will also continue to provide virtual options for those who are not yet ready to gather, and we will respect people’s personal convictions and choices.
I am not implying that every church should do as we are doing. But for us, the time has come to say, “We must obey God rather than men.”
13 Comments
GOD BLESS you and your congregation – I’m totally with you 😉
“But for us, the time has come to say, “We must obey God rather than men.””
I disagree. That time was weeks ago when the governor told churches to close. The churches established by their obedience to the secular that they are not essential as well as who they really serve.
Our church continued to meet, even with small numbers. Many members are older and at risk and that’s understandable. But we met willingly and gratefully.
If this world is fleeting, if we have an eternal hope and life with Christ, why would we bow to the earthly powers? If the church is nonessential it has become salt that has lost its flavor.
I agree I think we need the fellowship and time to worship the lord together.If you are not comfortable with the decision just stay home till you feel comfortable
It has been bothering me lately that I hadn’t heard anything from the pastors in our communities. I too am from PA. I have a brother and nephew who are pastors in Missouri and today I asked my brother if there is any talk of doing something other than online and he said no, not at this time. I understood the reason and with many members of the church being elderly. Going past 50 days and there is no end in sight and I’m feeling hopeless for the church, our leaders are fighting for God. I have been desperately looking for something and then I came across your blog. For hours I have searched facebook trying to locate where I saw this so I could get more information and I remembered I took a picture of the versus which had your web address. Thank you for what you wrote. It is expressed exactly how I was feeling.
Thanks for speaking out & asking these questions! I think, this is no longer about health as much as it is about controlling the people, we r on a slippery slope. Like a frog in water in a kettle on the stove. How warm does the water have to get before we jump?
I believe that according to your faith may it be unto you. If you have faith to meet, then meet. If you have faith to stay home, then stay home. There’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Jake, being in Lancaster Co, will be the last district to open. Who can wait that long?
I appreciate your words and your heart. I watched a video yesterday of a pastor laying out the time line of this whole mess and he articulated well the very thoughts I’ve had all along. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but I believe this whole thing is a world wide, government initiated, trial run to see how easily we will be enslaved.
All that considered, your words, “The only time we as believes should go against a government’s laws/orders is when they violate our conscious or the clear mandate of scripture.”made my stomach ache. 20 years ago I came out of an emotionally abusive marriage. He never layed a hand on me. For years, my pastors advised that unless he did something illegal or immoral, I was obligated by the Lord, to stay. He wasn’t obviously abusive. He didn’t tell me I was stupid and inadequate. He just made me feel that way. I had no words for what was happening and I did not know what was going on behind the scenes. The marriage ended after 10 years, when I discovered child pornography and that he had been molesting my daughter since she was 4, and raping her since the age of 9. She was 12 at the time.
I tell you that because the same kind of abuse is happening in our nation and around the world. No one is saying, “You can’t practice your faith.” but they are making it difficult, if not impossible, to minister the gospel according to the scriptures, or as you so accurately state, to “practice the essentials of our faith ”
I too, am not interested in rebelling against governing authorities, but I am fully intent on obeying my Lord.
I’m not a pastor of a local church. I don’t envy those of you having to navigate this season. I watch, and listen, with compassion, to my husband and the elders and pastors of our church as they make decisions day by day, making every effort to honor God and man.
I believe the time is coming very soon that our faith will once again become very personal as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We will make a decision to say yes or no to the great commission. There will not be any excuses. We will honor the Lord in faith, or we will not. He will have no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. And the one who stands, having done all to stand, may well die with his armour fully on and his sword in his hand.
The bottom line is, will we love the Lord with all our hearts, all our minds, and all our strength and love our neighbors as ourselves? Will we overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony and not loving our own lives to the death?
I’m praying for the church to be strengthened in this season, to wake up and to minister to the Lord. We must hear Him now and obey Him.
Thank You! Jake for being candid. We serve a Greater Government!…The Kingdom of Heaven! For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father ( of eternity), Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified version). Selah.
Written very well! This gives pastors and members points to consider that they may have not thought about before. Thanks for putting your thoughts to “pen and paper”.
Thanks for your honest article.
My late father traveled extensively in Asia especially closed Muslim islands in Indonesia. Christians met in secret, yet they were able to do all the things on the Christian practices list. They assembled in small inconspicuous groups. They baptized in the bathtub. They shared communion, prayed for the sick, and commissioned each other. They whispered songs together. They raised corporate prayers. And people were getting saved!
I attend a church of 1,300 in a state where we could now meet, but the pastor is determined not to miss the opportunity for us to understand that Christians practices do not require a crowd. The Church is far from empty, it is full of the Holy Spirit were two or three are gathered.
I believe the time is past due to stand up for our God-given rights and obey the Lord!
Jake I’m so grateful for this, and it’s really helpful to me as we navigate leading our church. Today I had someone ask good questions and I remembered this particular post. Thanks for not just thinking it through but putting it down and doing so with clarity. Praying for you as you enter phase 2 of reopening, and may many come to Jesus in this season through Holy Spirit working through Threshold Church.
Word up yo