While the COVID 19 pandemic has brought quite a disruption to the ministries of most congregations, I'd like you to know that churches across the Golden Triangle Baptist Network have risen to the occasion. I guess it takes only a couple of storms to teach us how to function when we can't meet or conduct our usual ministries. At least this time there is nothing to mud out.
Like you, I pray for a quick resolution to COVID 19; however, we really don't know how long this will last nor when your church may resume ministry as usual. With this in mind, I'd like to share these brief thoughts for the members and attenders of our GTBN congregations.
First, let me affirm that your pastors and ministry leaders did not make the decision to cancel services easily. There was much prayer and study of the advice given by government officials. No church in our fellowship made this decision in fear of government sanction. They did so in order to limit contacts between people, to slow viral spread and protect especially the most vulnerable members of our community.
Second, despite canceled meetings, churches are using the varied tools available to encourage the church, facilitate ongoing discipleship, and respond to ministry needs. Your church is still ministering in Christ's name, to you, and to the lost world around us.
Third, since your church is still working, your pastor and staff are working. This is not an extended vacation for them, as you can tell by all their online communication and the efforts taken making it possible.
Finally, with ministry ongoing, your tithes and offerings still matter. I realize that many of you will experience financial loss. We're all more conservative with our spending today. But the ministries of our Lord continue. Missionaries remain on the field. Your pastors and church staff members have obligations. And the church house itself must be kept ready for the day when we resume public worship.
So please, pray for your pastor, church staff, and our missionaries during this season of uncertainty. As they minister to you, reach out to them with a word of blessing and offer to help. And continue your generous giving to the Lord through His church to the best of your ability.
Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." May this be our COVID 19 testimony!
Dr. Jim Turnbo
Golden Triangle Baptist Network