“…and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 The Amplified Bible)
Many churches have turned to a hybrid way of worshipping, even though the pandemic days are over. Yes, many by choice have selected the virtual option and have even started accepting new members, labeled “virtual members.”
This is your Monday Short meditation, so I will not be long. Yes, modern times have afforded us a way to reach people with the word of God virtually, and many who attend service virtually do so faithfully, and some even send their tithes and offerings to the church. But my questions are as follows: (1) Does this allow for believers to encourage one another in the same way they can when attending in person; encouraging by their physical presence and testifying to the necessity for the saints to gather together? (2) Are some who attend physical service tempted to migrate to the virtual option and lesson the faithful who engage in the work of the church together, as if we were among the people building the wall in Nehemiah? Note: In the Nehemiah example, “The people had a mind to work. Just thought I would throw that in for you to meditate on. (3) Are virtual members who cannot attend physical service because of work requirements in these times where Sunday, from some employers’ perspectives, are not a day for rest, renewal, revival, and resuming fellowship with the saints in the church; are these virtual member being presented with service opportunities that evolve around their availability so that they can partake in the work needed to expand the kingdom of God, minister to the least of these my brethren, and even do the work to maintain the physical facility? These are not rhetorical questions and church leaders, and their congregations should answer these questions, really, unless they are already doing so, and then plan to pursue new ways to energize the virtual church membership. I think the Lord will be pleased.
If you are a leader at your local church, be it a pastor or a layperson leader, give the words above some thought, discuss it together, and if it moves you, act on it. By the way, there is not a physical body and a virtual body. We are one body and Christ is the head. Hey, I’m just sharing some thoughts that might benefit the work of the church and the widening of the kingdom of God. Let’s focus, not on what we are not doing, but what we can do. Stay encouraged! Have a great week! Be blessed!
“Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ.” (I Corinthians 12:12 The Living Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King