It’s the Wrong Question

By Rev. Jim Gascoine, Associate Pastor

Let’s start with full disclosure: I am getting as grumpy as you all. This COVID-19 pandemic, with all the attending restrictions, is making me grumpy.

• I can’t do the things I want to do.
• I can’t see the people I want to see.
• I can’t perform my pastoral duties in the best way.
• I am getting a little bit of cabin fever.
• I can’t visit my family.

Sound familiar?  So, let’s get it out of our system right at the start. We are all getting a little grumpy. And we all want to engage in that traditional American pastime: grumping, grousing, and complaining about how things are going.

I realize that we cannot change our situation or circumstances by being grumpy, but at least we can get it out and be honest about how we are feeling.

So, feeling better?  

Good, because let’s talk about some deeper issues. Since the COVID-19 pandemic dropped into our laps and local and state officials have imposed “stay-at-home” mandates, we’ve seen some interesting responses from a few Christian leaders and churches.

I am convinced they are asking the wrong questions.

A few Christian pastors and leaders have asked, “Isn’t it true that the government cannot, and should not, tell a church what to do?”

WRONG QUESTION! This is not about church-state relations in American culture. Yes, that is an ongoing issue—and one that deserves attention. But that is not what is current situation is about.

And: “Why aren’t you still meeting? Don’t you trust Jesus to protect you? Don’t you trust that God can shield you?”

WRONG QUESTION! Of course I trust in God’s presence and power! Those are the very things I am relying on and praying for as we battle the coronavirus. But that is not what this current situation is about.

Here is the real question: Do we care about our community and the people around us? Every expert I’ve heard has stated that social distancing and stay-at-home are effective ways to slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Dutilh Church has followed the guidance of local and state officials to close. Why? Because we love and value the people in our community, and would do nothing to harm them. I firmly believe it is an expression of Christian love to protect those around us. If that means closing church and worshipping online for some weeks, so be it.

Sometimes we have to put hands and feet to our profession of love for others. 

In recent weekly e-news updates, you will have seen an article alerting Dutilh members and attenders about Victory Family Church’s food drive, and our request for our members to participate. 

Why not do it ourselves? WRONG QUESTION!

Victory is not our competitor; they are our companion in reaching our community for Christ. It makes no sense for us to “re-invent the wheel,” and start a food drive when Victory already has one organized. 

This project is not about who gets credit, or which church is taking the lead. This effort is about serving hurting families in our community.  We do a far better job when we work together as partners in ministry.

It comes down to this: if we ask the right questions, God’s wisdom will lead us to answers that allow us to continue to be an effective, productive, vital church.