By Brian Rust
Collaboration Project Story Team

What does it mean to be the church when we can’t touch each other?

During the physical distancing of COVID-19, I can see and hear you, individually, but I can’t be with you. We can hear a message, but not simultaneously share the reaction. We can sing, but not hear each other as a choir. 

(There are questions about this for you to reflect on at the end of this essay.)

Plenty is being written and shared about how churches are (re)organizing to keep our faith communities alive and vital. Worship is being made available for broadcast. Pastors are trying to teach through the camera or microphone, hoping someone is listening or viewing. Church staff and Bible study leaders are trying to encourage and check in on others, from a distance.

What effect is it all having on you and me?

What can I do, and what responsibility do we have, to keep ourselves engaged and not slide into a complacency that alters our view and behaviors in negative ways when this is all over?

We’re trying to be more aware of those in need, or at least those in greater need than you and me. Church leaders are trying to facilitate sharing needs, collecting and distributing resources. We’re doing it together: transferring money and dropping off food with a wave instead of a hug. That’s what six feet (minimum) of separation does to us.

We’re all doing the best we can. But is it working? 

I don’t mean working technologically. I mean, are we connecting hearts, minds and voices? 

Are online and lazy distractions getting in the way even more than usual? 

Are we numbing to the need to gather when we can’t be together physically?

These questions hang in the balance like, “when will this all be over?” Their answers will come in time.

Meantime, let’s be sure we ask ourselves good questions. And let’s ponder our own answers well before the next distraction comes our way.

Questions to ask yourself as you do church from a distance

How are you doing church these days?

What are you missing?

What personal needs are you meeting through the things you are doing? (ex: read, meditate, pray, listen, sing, show love, receive love)

How do you hope this period of keeping our distance will change your future church engagements?

What are you praying and doing to prepare for that to happen?

For more, current thoughts on the effects of COVID-19 distancing on faith communities, see these articles in Christianity Today, Relevant magazine and online searches.

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