WHY CHURCHES ARE ESSENTIAL

People have asked from time to time why churches can remain open when social gatherings have been trimmed back. Here is the answer: Churches by definition are not primarily social gatherings. The church is a spiritual family whose mission it is to be a spiritual force on the earth. The church’s primary purpose is not to serve itself but the larger world beyond itself. This is why Jesus left us with these words in Mark 16 before returning to the Father: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation…lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” There are many who are in need and sick, and there are many who need to recover. Here are three reasons why churches are essential and need to stay open.

Churches unleash God’s power through corporate prayer, praise and worship 

Over time, church services can fuel the spiritual climate in communities and cities with God’s manifest presence. A convergence of multiple congregations extending focused praise and prayer can alter the atmosphere by fostering an open heavens through which God can move. Think of it like multiple spiritual lasers piercing the din of a hovering darkness. At the end of the day breakthroughs achieved on earth will be the result of breakthroughs achieved in heaven. Because of distraction-free focus, unity, synergy and ambience, the in person experience here is so important.

John Dawson’s 1984 classic TAKING OUR CITIES FOR GOD (since updated) documented how churches blanketed the city of Los Angeles with with so much prayer, praise and worship before and during the Olympics that crimes including homicide, drug activity and domestic abuse plummeted to historic lows. Jails emptied out considerably and even deaths nearly zeroed out. It was astounding. 

Psalm 22:3 tells us that God’s manifest presence literally inhabits the praises of his people and Psalm 149 tells us that praise has spiritual force that defeats evil earthly influence. It is no secret that in June of 1944 before the battle of D-Day that then President Franklin D. Roosevelt led the country in prayer over live radio as people huddled prayerfully in living rooms throughout America. Bibles were given to every solider. That triumph broke the back of the Nazi regime and changed the planet. Churches continued to gather in prayer services large and small until final victory was sealed in 1945. Allied pilots told of seeing angelic-like beings intervening on their behalf in the midst of areal combat.

Let  the church arise.

Churches serve the needs of the community and city in practical ways 

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus tells us that we are to be a light to the world through the expression of good works. He was no doubt referring to practical deeds of love, care and support. Churches locally, nationally and globally by the thousands have made meals, distributed food, replenished blood banks, made and distributed masks, written notes of encouragement to first responders, sponsored school supply drives, visited shut ins, sponsored blood bank stations, donated finances, and provided child care for essential workers. There is more, because the list goes on. 

It is well documented throughout history that during times of crisis, churches became compassionate healing centers, extensions of hospitals, conduits of mass communication and channels of benevolence even in the face of great risk to its own congregants. It’s time to find courage.

Let the church arise.

Churches meet the needs of those with emotional and mental health challenges 

Through safe small group settings and one to one ministry, those experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts can find a safe bubble to process, heal and decompress. Well documented but largely unpublicized right now are the literal thousands who battle these inner demons in isolation for fear of being thought less of. James 5 tells us how providing a safe place for disclosure and personal prayer can bring healing. Matthew 18 tells us that even when two or three gather, his presence manifests and answers to prayer are assured.  Churches practice this all the time and provide counseling, support groups, interventions and other needed resources so valued during these covid times.

Most significantly, the church presents the power-filled message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Literally this means the hope filled announcement of good news, so very needed now when so much bad news abounds. History declares this happened most through personal relationships as all believers shared the gospel to family, friends and acquaintances. Blend that with good works and prayers for supernatural intervention and you have the trifecta for widespread transformation and turnaround. 

So many are so open right now. With love in our hearts, the good works of our hands and the prayers of our lips let’s go make disciples. This was Jesus final charge to his followers, and this must be our first priority, covid or not. Though important, we cannot allow our legacy to be that we didn’t catch the virus and we didn’t spread the virus because we kept our distance and wore our masks. Let’s be the church and make this our finest hour.

Let the church arise.