A Christian Response to Governmental Restriction
Without a doubt, COVID-19 has disrupted life all over the world and demands special attention and unusual response. Every facet of our way of life has had to adjust from the way we do business, buy supplies, worship, educate, recreate, etc. Someone has said that desperate situations call for desperate measures.
But how should a Christian respond when the government restricts churches from meeting publicly for worship? Do we ignore or rebel against such a restriction? Do we just accept it? Sometimes it gets complicated.
What does Scripture say? First off, Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God…” Clearly, we are to take what the government says seriously and submit to its laws. However, what if the government’s laws contradict God’s will? Peter and the Apostles were faced with this contradiction in chapter five of Acts. They responded, “We must obey God rather than man,” (v. 29).
Secondly, we must not be a source of stumbling for those around us nor place an undue burden upon them (Romans 14:13). Romans 15:1 says, “Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves.” A Christian is to look out for the best interest of those around him or her and to love his or her neighbors.
In response to the above Scripture and the desires of the government’s shelter in place order, CTK has chosen to not publicly meet for worship. We have sought to obey our governing authorities and to take care of our neighbors by socially distancing ourselves. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could honor government and our neighbors while safely meeting together in worship?
Many churches all over our country, including several in Minnesota, have been doing just that. They have had drive-in services where people park, stay in their cars, keep their windows rolled up and hear the service on their radios while watching the pastors and leaders from the safety of their own cars. This is a practice that is safer than any Governor’s exceptions for sheltering in place. As long as the people don’t physically come in contact with each other, they are safe. In fact, they are much safer than going to the grocery store or liquor store or even the drive-throughs of banks, restaurants and pharmacies.
Some governments have chosen to punish drive-in worship services. However, United States Attorney General Barr addressed this in regard to the state of Mississippi on April 14th.
Today, the Department filed a Statement of Interest in support of a church in Mississippi that allegedly sought to hold parking lot worship services, in which congregants listened to their pastor preach over their car radios, while sitting in their cars in the church parking lot with their windows rolled up. The City of Greenville fined congregants $500 per person for attending these parking lot services – while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open. The City appears to have thereby singled churches out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all CDC and state recommendations regarding social distancing.
Attorney General Barr also stated,
But even in times of emergency, when reasonable and temporary restrictions are placed on rights, the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibit discrimination against religious institutions and religious believers. Thus, government may not impose special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity.
We have found a legitimately safe way to gather together in public worship. It is an opportunity to encourage one another with our presence and show the community that we are still present. We have the technology for this and the highest government in our country has now stated that it is our right. We are hoping to have a drive-in service on May 3rd at 10:30 AM where people stay in their vehicles with their windows up and listen on their radios. A parking arrangement for maximum sight will be organized. The service will be around 30 minutes long including some singing, prayer and a message.
We will continue to offer our worship service and Daily Bible Moments online. This will give those who choose to stay home or are viewing from a distance, an opportunity to still see the worship service. We are also launching an interactive Bible Study time using Zoom on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM. More information on this opportunity can be found in the Messenger. We are continuing to offer our worship service on the local cable access channel on Thursdays at 11 AM, 3 PM and 8 PM as well as the message on KLOH radio on Sundays at 7:30 AM.
In closing, hang in there for the One who hung up there. We belong to the Lord God of all creation; the One loves us so much that He gave His only Son to deliver us from evil. Spring is here and summer is on its way. The SON is shining!
To Him Be the Glory!
Pastor Tim