Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
The Christian Worldview – David Wheaton
Depending on where you live, it has now been nine weeks since government officials have ordered churches in America to cease worship services due to stated concerns about the spread of COVID-19. In many states, there is no timetable for when government will allow churches to reopen.
But have you driven by your local big box retailer recently, like Home Depot, Walmart, or Target? Parking lots are packed, people are lined up to enter, and dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, are shopping inside.
So is it “essential” and reasonable and equal treatment that Home Depot is allowed to be open—not to mention Planned Parenthood and bars (in WI)—but not your local church?
Mat Staver, attorney and founder of Liberty Counsel, an international nonprofit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and the family, joins us to discuss why now is the time to safely open churches in America.
We will discuss the biblical and constitutional reasons for reopening, along with safety recommendations for your congregation and what to do if governmental authorities intervene.
ReOpen Church – Mat Staver
Now Is The Time To Act
After weeks of being closed due to the Coronavirus, Liberty Counsel has called on the churches to open and believers to start meeting again.
ReOpen Church should include appropriate measures of sanitization and appropriate social distancing between families. Churches may also consider reopening with a variety of service options, which may include a combination of: (1) reduced seating inside the church; (2) parking lot services for those who cannot get or do not want to participate inside the church; and (3) online service for those who are unable to attend or who are in a higher risk category due to age or predisposed health conditions.
The Trump administration guidelines for “Opening Up America Again” outline three phases for states to gradually ease their lockdowns. Phase 1 set the target date of May 1, to systematically reopen the nation, but some states may be able to reopen earlier. Phase 1 includes churches.
The Greek word for church is “ekklesia,” which means “assembly.” The word “synagogue” is also derived from the Greek word, “sunagoge,” meaning “an assembly of people” or “a place of meeting.”
Liberty Counsel Founder, Chairman, and Senior Pastor Mat Staver said, “The lockdowns have closed churches at a time of greatest need, and they must reopen to meet the burgeoning needs of the community. Churches are now more essential than ever to bring comfort, hope, and help to the people they serve. Each church is different and each one must assess when and how best to reopen.”
Visit ReOpen Church, watch Mat Staver’s short video and check out their Resources
The conservative voice and Christian content is being silenced more and more. Stay informed by signing up to receive CRN’s need to read articles.
Book Recommendation
It seems presumptuous to speak of understanding God and his ways. And yet, he has graciously revealed himself to us! It’s not an exhaustive revelation, but it is a true and sufficient revelation. God’s self-disclosure is sufficient to humble us and make us aware of our need for his grace. It’s enough to bring us to our knees, to drive us to repentance, and compel us to worship. Order here