Long before the advent of Online church services I found myself in the homes of brethren known as “shut-ins.” I had just preached at a church in Missouri and a deacon invited me to “Take the Lord’s Supper” to the homes of the elderly and infirm of the congregation. It was a beautiful sight to behold as he “communed around the table” with each one of them. He was bringing them a worship experience that they might never have had if he hadn’t come. All of them had this in common: They all mentioned how much they missed being at church that morning.
With the recent lockdowns most of us became “shut-ins” to one degree or another. Fortunately, with the help of Online technology, we were blessed to be able to “Have Communion” together. Though not ideal, it was better than total isolation.
I know that all of this seems like ancient history now, but we are still in recovery mode. Unlike the Missouri “shut-ins” we missed out on that all important personal touch that the visiting deacon brought. Since then, most of us have returned to church meetings, but some haven’t. I am not speaking of those who cannot return in person, I am speaking of those who have chosen not to return in person.
I have heard many concerned church leaders lament that many able-bodied brethren have just given up coming to church services since the lockdowns. All of them have this in common: They all say that they watch online.
Now, I do not know the personal circumstances of everyone who watches church services online, so be careful that you do not unjustly accuse me of unjustly accusing others; I am not!
However, scripture applies to us all, and no less this one:
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I can hear those Missouri shut-ins shout in the streets: “Go to church! We wish we could.”
John Staiger