DEAR CHURCH: PUBLIC IMAGE

By now, most of us have constructed a “routine” for life during Coronavirus quarantine. We can only do so much in the current environment, but there’s plenty we can accomplish in preparation for life beyond the virus, especially as it relates to the church. Businesses, organizations, and retailers are beginning to plan, and it only makes sense that we would do the same.

As we work through all the complicated issues that have surfaced - worship, ministry, pastoral care, counselling, giving, programs, and everything else - we need to recognize that our priorities WILL BE DIFFERENT After the Virus (“AV”). This is not a guess; this is a guarantee. Due to the worldwide, all-inclusive impact of the virus, local churches will be at serious risk for survival unless significant change occurs. We can’t pretend that the pandemic didn’t exist. The world has changed.

For example, the general public is not searching for the best preacher, incredible music, high-impact children’s programs or a state-of-the art facility. Right now, none of that matters. Why? Because EVERYONE is locked up. Instead, EVERYONE has this in common: We long for Community.

Loss of Community and relationships are very noticeable consequences of this pandemic. Our separation from each other has been a heart-wrenching experience. We can be certain that on the other side of this virus, people will be seeking to connect with others in a safe, healthy, welcoming, and hopeful environment.

As a result, the un-churched public is spending countless hours browsing social media and websites searching for places in their community that will not only accept them, but also will allow them (and their diverse families) to grow and thrive. As they are browsing, what are they discovering about your church? Are they able to watch your worship services? Do they see the variety of things you are doing to help the Body of the Christ stay connected? Do they see how the church is helping its neighborhood and community?

I expect that most churches are doing a great job staying connected to themselves. But if the general public can’t see it, what kind of picture are we painting of ourselves? This may seem unusual, but we must demonstrate our love for each other and our neighbors by talking about it, as otherwise it appears that we aren’t following the very Gospel that we proclaim.

If you are involved in a church, please check all of your public media sites. Your Facebook pages, websites, and social media outlets are critical right now. Please make sure your information is not only current, but that it also communicates your activity. If you are not currently streaming and/or recording your worship services publicly, fix it. This isn’t a “Maybe”; This is a “Must” if you want people outside of your church to feel welcome.

People won’t try to connect to a place that doesn’t appear to be active, transparent, and easy to explore. The technology is simple for streaming and recording; if your pastor doesn’t understand it, teach them about it. If you don’t understand it, find someone in the congregation who does. This can’t be emphasized enough! Un-churched people are truly seeking, and we can’t miss this incredible opportunity to bring others into the Body of Christ.

Our greatest challenge in life “AV” will be that none of us know exactly what to expect. However, we do know that being obedient to God by loving our neighbor is always foremost. One of the easiest ways we can demonstrate our love for our neighbors during the current pandemic is to be open with our welcome and invitation to connect. Our public image in this environment is vital to opening the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people on the outside.

Community is more important now than it’s been in a very long time. But what does Community look like in life AV? Like everything else, Community has already changed. What should we expect? It’s another good question to consider...

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1-2, NIV)