California church goes to Supreme Court on in-person restrictions.

Church must be ready to deal with post-COVID ‘apocalyptic’ scenarios.

Morning Briefing: Is Going to Church Worth the Risk?

Congregations of every stripe are in the news lately as communities adjust to a shared new normal in the midst of this pandemic. It’s tempting to think churches across the land are flouting CDC restrictions and defying local social distancing orders, but most congregations — probably your home church, too — are continuing to hold online services, parking lot services, pre-recorded services...all kinds of creative methods of doing church together, while we’re staying 6 feet apart.

God equips and calls incredible men and women to shepherd His flock as pastors, and these servants of the Lord are facing challenging times, and tough decisions, as we all continue to deal with the big consequences of a microscopic virus.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other."

Pastors care for all of us, and they are doing their best to make decisions about funerals and weddings, Vacation Bible School and summer camp, and when it will be safe to resume typical church services.

Now is a great time to reach out to your pastor on the phone, in email, or on Facebook to offer encouragement, ask how you can help or support them, and let them know you are praying for their health and wellbeing, their family, and for God to bless their important work.

Here are a few of those church news headlines you might have missed:

Oklahoma Church Members Find Musical Inspiration in Their Kitchens

Charlottesville church puts on parade to celebrate member’s 100th birthday

Albert Lea Church Hosts Drive-Thru Food Drive

Let’s pray.

God, thank you for the pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, lay pastor, and other members of the ministry and administrative team that lead and shepherd my church. Bless them with good health, courage, discernment, and grace for themselves, the ministry team, and the congregation. Thank you for your loving presence as they continue their good work. Amen.