Worship Services are Sundays at 9:00 & 11:15 am.

Health & Safety Update 9/19/2020

September 21, 2020 | 0 comments

September 19, 2020

Let me begin by saying, on behalf of the elders, that we are extremely grateful and proud of our church family. The virus, government restrictions, social unrest and the fires have inflicted us with many temptations to lose hope and become impatient with others. But the vast majority of you have remained faithful, flexible and patient. This is tremendously important because hope and patience are central Christian virtues and we live in the midst of a social order largely built on impatience, entitlement and control.I have personally seen many examples of families lovingly ministering to one another in regard to both spiritual and material needs. Several of you have also been thoughtful and reached out to the elders to encourage us while we navigate these many challenges and wrestle with hard decisions that will never please everyone. Thank you.

Throughout the last several months the elders have patiently and prayerfully waited upon the Lord and sought the Lord’s direction by searching the Scriptures.  The way in which Christians ought to respond to the ever-changing information and directives, especially those coming from the civil authorities, is not always clear. At the foundation of our response has been the conviction that we honor Christ in many ways and that includes by submitting to the governing authorities.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God” (1 Pet 2:13-15).

As such, willful submission to governing authorities is a spiritual obligation not merely a civil duty. Submission to governing authorities is not contingent on their righteousness, goodness, effectiveness, political neutrality, excellence or consistency. The obedience we render to government is therefore in worship of Christ.  

But are there limits? Yes. There are three scenarios when responding to civil authorities:

  1. When the government exercises its legitimate authority, we must obey.  Rom. 13:1-7 1 Pet. 2:13-17 Matt. 22:21
  2. When the government commands us to sin, we must disobey. Acts 5:29
  3. When the government exceeds its authority, we may choose whether to obey or to disobey.  Dan. 1

To date, we believe we have been operating under the third category and have voluntarily complied with all but one of the governing authorities’ extraordinary orders (no singing). The restrictions, thus far, we have understood to be temporary, neutral and generally applicable to like gatherings. As such, we have voluntarily complied while maintaining three further biblical principles in mind:

  1. The importance of gathered worship.  Heb. 10:25
  2. Love for neighbor. Mark 12:31
  3. Maintaining a good witness.  Col. 4:5-6

While the present public health restrictions have made it difficult to meet and fulfill the first principle, it has not made it impossible for our congregation in our particular context. We have been blessed with the ability to live-stream services for our high-risk members and also have the opportunity to meet outdoors for all who wish to do so at the facilities of Fair Oaks Church. This is not true for every congregation, so we are grateful. While it is not what we prefer, there is no particular biblical reference to meeting indoors rather than outdoors. 

However, we readily acknowledge that over time it has become more and more difficult to balance this commitment to submission to governing authorities and meeting the spiritual needs of our flock. Some of the circumstantial conditions have changed and we have needed to address them (heat and air quality). Soon, it may become impossible to consistently meet outdoors and this will force yet another decision.

Please know that we believe the corporate gathering of the local church is vital to her life and mission. Should upcoming changes in government restrictions and/or circumstances make it impossible to gather in worship we will resolve to earnestly seek the regathering of GBC indoors for all who wish to gather in person. It is also our understanding that some of the restrictions for our county may soon be reduced, so remain hopeful.

Not all of us will agree that this is the best course of action. Not all elderships are responding in the same manner. But not all churches face the same exact restrictions, possess the same opportunities, resources and body of elders. Above all, we must remember that the same Scripture that calls us to gather for worship also calls us to accept other Christians amidst our differences (Romans 14:1-12). This is also a biblical mandate. So is our love for one another (John 13:34). The fact is that when Christians disagree about how to respond to these restrictions, as well as the severity of COVID-19, they ought to do so without questioning each other’s commitment, courage, love or pastoral care. 

 As your pastors we ask for continuing unity in these matters. We ask you to remain prayerful and patient. We call for trusting Christ as the Sovereign Lord over all our circumstances. Lastly, I personally encourage you, yet once again, to “think on things that are true… (and) lovely” (Phil 4:8-9). Our thoughts greatly influence our emotions. God is still the Father who cares for each of us and His eye is still ever upon each and every one of us.

 

Tony Sanelli

On behalf of the elders

COMMENTS FOR THIS POST HAVE BEEN DISABLED.

FILTER MESSAGES BY: