Much digital ink has been spilled on the requests for us to not meet in groups larger than 100, then 50, and as of now, no groups larger than 10. I urge my fellow pastors and church leaders to follow these guidelines. This is not persecution and the COVID-19 virus is not a God ordained plague poured out on His enemies that is promised to pass over His people. We are not under Old Testament law and will not be condemned for Sabbath breaking. These are unusual times. We should care for the flocks entrusted to us with humility and wisdom as faithful ungdershepherds. Do not endanger the most vulnerable in our charge.
”1 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1 (CSB)
Maybe it is time for us to focus more on an intentional one on one discipleship methodology. The mission of the church has not changed... Make disciples. Our primary goal should not be to simply meet in large groups. That is not necessarily bad. I really enjoy large gatherings with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Our mission is to make disciples that make disciples. That has not and will not change. I am encouraging the people I serve to be vigilant and intentional in discipleship at this time. Technological communication methods make this easier. But it is still, even with the governmental under 10 gathering size request, feasible to meet one on one for intentional Christian discipleship because 1+1 is less than 10.
”18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” — Matthew 28:18–20 (CSB)
MAKE DISCIPLES.
Last time I checked,