May 24

"You can't open the church building yet! It's a huge health risk! You are wrong if you do so!"

vs.

"It's all a big hoax! A conspiracy! A media frenzy! Read this article! This link! Don't be afraid! Be a patriot pastor!"

vs. "I know someone who just passed away from Covid 19."

vs.

"Here are the 25 things you need to do if you want to meet in your building again."

vs.

"My family is going to stay home for awhile before coming back. Sorry, can't be there."

vs.

"Don't ever open the building again! Home is so much better for us!"

vs.

"We need to open the building again! I need to be there and see everyone! What are you waiting for?"

True, we don't have a building. However, all of us identify with one (or more) of the bubbles above. Pastors feel this primarily on Sunday mornings...the day each week that has been the most altered.

There are no easy answers. No response will satisfy everyone. As a church we could find ourselves galvanized, or splintered.

While contemplating contingency plans and alternative locations, I sense I could mistakenly lead us to logistics instead of purpose and intent. I want to, and need to do otherwise.

Isaiah 12:2-4 says, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted."

In this, unknowns and fears (even opinions) are dissipated by praise.

When we don't know what to do, we can do what we know to do...especially on a Sunday morning.

Proclaim Him, to our own hearts, and to each other. Worship Him in word and deed.

Kind of like drawing water from the wells of salvation.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau