Take a moment to reflect:
Think about the isolation.
Think about the sense of being disconnected.
Think about being part of the church, but not feeling fully a part of it.
Think about the feeling of people avoiding contact with you and treating you differently. The anxiety in the other’s eyes and voice and behavior – and the anxiety you feel when others approach you.
Think about how this makes you feel. The loneliness. The despair.
It’s enough to create questions of doubt in your mind and puncture holes in your heart, as the distancing begins to infect not just the social, but the psychological, emotional, and even spiritual as well.
Now consider this:
We have been doing this intentionally, even existentially, to people for centuries.
We did it when we let folks in the door, but made them sit out of sight.
We did it when we let folks sing praise, but dare not let them preach.
We do it now when we let folks become members, but not fully participate, turning away those who long for the sacred commitment of marriage – or who are desperate to answer the call to serve in ministry.
Think about it.
Think about how this COVID-19 Crisis has made you feel and ask:
Do I want anyone to ever feel this way in the Church?
Do I think God does?
Finally, let’s ask ourselves:
What kind of Church are we going to be on the other side of this Crisis?