We’ve seen this statement far too many times lately: “we’re living in unprecedented times.”  While there’s little debate about that reality, the question stands, “what should the Church be DOING right now?”  This is where a disconnect exists.  I have tuned in to a fair number of podcasts and live streams like many of you, and in listening, several pastors and leaders have wisely quoted Matthew 5:16: “in the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.”  That’s well and good, and Scripture always sets the stage correctly, but how can this be done PRACTICALLY in our congregations, neighborhoods, and communities RIGHT NOW?  I have 6 practical considerations in mind.

Seriously friends, I’m not making this up (you can’t make this stuff up!).  True story: just a couple of days ago, I was in my local “warehouse club” getting my normal food supplies for the week (not a paper goods panic run!), and to my astonishment, I heard the song by legendary Linda Ronstadt on the loudspeakers, “that’ll be the day that I die.”  Seriously?!  I thought to myself, “someone’s got a raw sense of humor right now!”  This is feeding the panic and the “gloom and doom” right now (especially from the media), but my contention is these are the BEST times for the Gospel because the Church and believers can SHINE with hope!”  So, in keeping with Matthew 5:16 (above), what are some practical ways we can let our lights shine in these uncertain days?

1. Connect with people creatively: Yes, there’s much happening with “social distancing” at this moment, but the churches and believers that find creative ways to stay connected with their people and especially with those nearest them will often find receptive soil in peoples’ hearts.  While this certainly involves live-streaming your worship services, it goes far beyond this.  In these days of separation, people want to know—on an individual level—that they are remembered, valued, and important.  For pastors, staff, elders and deacons in the church, make sure you are calling, texting, emailing, Face-Timing, Facebooking, Tweeting, Google-grouping, and Instagramming your people and those around you.  Along with this, it is important to reach out to your neighbors around you, especially the elderly.
2. Serve people caringly: I know that I’ll get some push-back on this one (especially in the light of “social distancing”), but I’ll say it anyway: we need to find ways to serve people who are vulnerable, weak, and health-compromised in our communities.  I’ll give a practical example: I know of a college-aged girl who came home because her campus was closed, and she was determined to help others, so she volunteered to go purchase, and then deliver groceries to several elderly people and single mothers in her neighborhood who could not go to the grocery store.  The older folks were scared at all the hectic pace in the stores, and the single mothers were in real need of help, so this believer caringly “stepped up to the plate.”  We need to be looking for ways to serve others tangibly right now with a caring spirit.
3. Impact people conversantly: In this age of separation and distance, people need and want to talk.  Taking the initiative to call someone on your phone and letting them know that you’re thinking about them goes a long way in letting others know that they are valued, cherished, and esteemed by you, and most especially by GOD.  Talking with others doesn’t cost any money, but it adds enormous value to another person’s life.  Your voice can go a long way towards encouraging another person.
4. Love people compassionately: some people have already lost their jobs from this crisis, and only the Lord knows at this point how many more will lose them.  With pantries potentially becoming low and mouths still to feed, Christians and local churches can be poised to help their parishioners and neighbors around them with tangible, compassionate expressions of love: food, clothing, money for rent and utilities (tip: you pay the bill, don’t give them the money), and transportation.  Remember Jesus’ words: “if you do it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”
5. Sympathize with people candidly.  Take the time to listen carefully to others right now.  Find out candidly where their hearts are today.  Many people are scared out of their minds right now.  Some of them have suffering IRAs and 401-Ks now), and a sizeable percentage of them have real worries about the future.  Now is the time for Christians and local churches to be in the personal business.  Don’t focus on the macro (the many); instead, pay attention to the micro (the small and the few, those closest to you).  Listen, care, show interest, and let them know you’re praying for them.
6. Develop people competently.  I have saved this one for last, and it specifically pertains to pastors and church leaders.  With many people having to stay home and their “free time” somewhat more flexible, now is the time to invest in training and developing them.  You can do much in discipleship, leadership development, officer training, and personal growth by giving them opportunities to grow spiritually, intellectually, and developmentally.  With this in mind, on this ministry website, I have a full course on officer training (under the “training” tab) with podcasts and downloadable handouts for each unit of study.  At this point, no one knows how long this “stay at home” situation is going to last, so take the time now to invest in yourself and in your people through discipleship and leadership development.

This is a great time to live!  The Gospel can do some of its best work, as people’s minds and hearts are often more open to a caring word of sympathy, and to a tangible expression of love and neighborly thoughtfulness than usual.  Go for it! SHINE!