Hello World,
I’m not going to church today, and I don’t feel good about it. And you already know why I’m not there. In fact, some of you are probably attending Bedside Baptist with me as social distancing has become the norm to prevent the spread of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus aka COVID-19.
As a woman of faith, I still find myself grappling with fear. The verse 2 Timothy 1:7 comes to mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So on on the one hand, if God has not given me the spirit of fear, why should I fear this novel virus? I should be in church this morning among believers because why fear. But then on the other hand, my sound mind, which was given to me by God, tells me that if our world’s greatest healthcare leaders says that we should practice social distancing and to not play with this new sickness then I should be within the confines of my home this morning. I’ve come to the conclusion that this verse should be treated as a seesaw. I don’t think I should be stifled by fear so much so that I’m in a catatonic state because the end is near, but at the same time, I shouldn’t be so cavalier that I think I’m superhuman. It’s a tenuous balance for sure, but that’s where I am today.
Since I’m no theologian, I’ve been researching what our favorite pastors have to say on this topic because I expect them to have better understanding than I do. As the Word says, not everyone should be a teacher, because there higher standards for those who do so. But below are some videos and news articles that demonstrate how pastors are responding to COVID-19.
Bishop T.D. Jakes…
Dr. Charles Stanley…
Pastor Rick Warren…
Dr. Tony Evans…
Believe it or not, some Christian pastors have been diagnosed with coronavirus. Below are some news stories I found as I searched…
“Lubbock Pastor: I Have Tested Positive for Coronavirus” by Justin Massound
Excerpt: “I wanted to let everyone know that the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed as of today,” said Pastor Javier Castaneda. “I tested positive for the coronavirus. So I just wanted to put this out as a notice for people who I have been in contact with. The instructions are the same. Keeping an eye on your symptoms and paying close attention to them for 14 days from the time we were in contact with each other.” See more at: kfyo.com.
“Virginia Church Community Prays for Pastor With Coronavirus” by Darcy Spencer
Excerpt: Crossroads Baptist Church Pastor Kenny Baldwin has stepped down from the pulpit after testing positive for coronavirus. News4’s Darcy Spencer spoke with Baldwin’s brother about how he is recovering. See more at: nbcwashington.com.
“Atlanta Pastor Shares Coronavirus Battle” by Beth Galvin
Excerpt: Scott Armstrong’s world has suddenly become very small. The 48-year-old Lead Pastor of City Church-Eastside in Atlanta is quarantined with COVID-19. He’s in the same house, but is physically separated from his wife Kerstin and 3 daughters. See more at: fox5atlanta.com.
How are your favorite pastors addressing coronavirus?
Any thoughts?