Interruption or Disruption?

One of the main topics of conversations among church experts is whether Christians view the pandemic as an interruption or a disruption.  Listening to respected voices like Thom Rainer, David Kinnaman and Carey Nieuhof I am convinced it is going to be a new world when the restrictions are lifted and we can return to our houses of worship.  It is naïve to think the current situation is just an interruption of our “normal” church activities.  I was involved in a podcast a few weeks back during which we concluded this pandemic is really a societal reset.  The way we do worship and function as a community of faith is going to look very different in the future.  Those who struggle with change need to fasten their seat-belts. 

If you doubt that the pandemic has disrupted the way we experienced worship just three months ago consider some of the implications;

Hospitality: What do we do about the Sunday morning social hour?  If it happens at all it is going to look different if we cannot gather in small groups.  The days of handshakes and hugs are also in the past.  Probably no more snacks and coffee either.

Childcare: What kind of restriction will there be on the church nursery?  Will parents even want their children to be exposed to other people?  This also plays into how we do children’s and youth ministry in the future.  It is hard to picture youth mission trips and retreats happening in a world where we can cram twelve kids into a van.  

Setting: What kind of adjustments will we need to make in our worship space?  It is almost a sure bet we will have to allow more space between families. As long as we are wearing face mask, singing is out of the question.  With social distancing rules, how can we have a choir or vocal ensemble.

All of the above pale in comparison to the challenging issue of how do we disciple people in the post-pandemic world?  Some even question if there will be fewer people to disciple.  Is it possible some people might never come back, choosing to worship online on a regular basis?

I am currently working on a new book in which I examine what the church might look in the future. In many ways the pandemic has accelerated the process.  Some are predicting that up to one-third of churches will close and just go away as a result of COVID-19.  Those churches won’t just look different… they will disappear. 

In the midst of this we do have the assurance that God is faithful.  The church, as the people of God, will still exist post the pandemic.  I, for one, am excited to see what the church is going to look like five or ten years from now.  In many ways this is the opportunity to renew and reprioritize in a way few thought possible.