For years churches have been coming up with ways to give people the opportunity to worship with their congregation.
Since the early 1930s, churches have broadcast their services on the radio.
One of the longest-running radio broadcasts is Lutheran Vespers. It has been on the air since the mid ’50s and continues today on radio stations in the Chicago area. Also, for years many congregations broadcast their service on television.
The covid pandemic has brought new and exciting formats for live and recorded broadcasts. There is Facebook Live and You Tube, as well as many other online opportunities that offer worship and teaching to the world.
All these new venues are great, and I am grateful for all those involved in their development. However, is watching or listening to worship exclusively as beneficial as attending worship in person?
I understand that in some cases, such as illness or the inability to get to church, these formats are good for those who need them. My concern, however, is that people are staying home and watching out of convenience rather than out of need. People have told me that it’s just easier to stay home and watch or listen.
Attending worship in person has several benefits over online or over-the-air broadcasts. Fellowship with other believers, social interaction, and being a part of a loving community of faith are just a few of those benefits.
Isolation and fear of getting sick were some of the most stressful things people had to endure during the pandemic, and I have found that since the pandemic’s end, or at least the lessening of restrictions, many people have not returned to worship, and these other options have become a stumbling block to both the church and the people.
Jesus and his followers met together regularly and shared things in common. In Acts 20, it says, “On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread …” and it was essential for them as they continued to grow this fledgling church into what it is today.
God has called us to come together in person as often as possible to share in the teaching and ministry of the Gospel, and as we move ahead in these uncertain days, it is essential that we support each other in our needs and celebrate with each other in our joys, as a body of Christ in a world that needs to hear the greatest story ever told.
We must use all tools given to us to worship and share the Good News, and I encourage everyone to gather with the believers in your congregation and share together all that God has done for us.
Peace to you as you continue to live and grow together in Christ through worship and fellowship.
