In Crisis, the Purpose Remains. The Method Changes.

Historically, adversity is a familiar experience for the church. It has come in many forms, yet the church remains strong and growing. This is due to the eternal purpose given to us by Jesus: to know His ways, and to always be discipling until every tribe, tongue and nation has heard the gospel.

In the midst of Covid-19, we do not stop. We adapt.

With church services being cancelled around the world due to the urgency of social distancing, the question on the minds of many leaders is how to keep our people connected. Churches who have never considered doing online services are now asking how to do it.

My advice as the Director of Communications for a national Canadian church denomination is this: don’t try to reproduce the experience of being together physically. Rather, imagine something different. Think about the tools you already have, and imagine how you can use those tools to accomplish the same purpose.

The purpose of the church remains the same, but the method is different. For decades, most of our churches have been meeting in the same way, doing the same thing. This is because we have not faced adversity. We have not known what it is like to be forced out of our comfortable chairs and warm buildings. Now, our method has changed.

We cannot meet in person. So, what do we do?

Answer these questions to get started:

  1. What is the purpose of being together?
  2. What is preventing you from being together?
  3. How can you accomplish the purpose within these restrictions?

For many, the solution will be calling on the phone. For others, it will be a video call through FaceTime, Hangouts, Zoom or some other platform. There are some who are still meeting in person but maintaining the recommended social distance of 2 meters (6 feet).

Whatever you decide, keep the higher purpose at the center.


Os Guinness, The Call

Our purpose is to know the ways of Jesus and to live in such a way that demonstrates our devotion to Him. During this time of isolation, continue in your pursuit of knowing God, and ask Him to show you how He wants you to live out His purpose in these uncertain days.

I recommend downloading the Dwell app if you prefer listening rather than reading. (

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