Every church I know is meeting in person again, at least in some capacity. Most are no longer wearing masks or practicing social distancing. After 15 months of strangeness, things seem to be settling into a new “normal” now. On the other hand, seeking to do church during a pandemic has reminded me much about worship—and I don’t want everything to go back to the way it was pre-COVID. Here are some of those reminders:
- I had taken in-person gatherings for granted. And, not only had I done that, but I’d done so even while I also wrote and taught about people around the world who have no such privilege. It’s easy, it seems, to forget the privilege of worshiping together.
- I suspect there’s comfort in gathering in a familiar place for worship. I realize worship is hardly limited to any single place, but I’ve watched as church folks are not only glad to be together again—they’re also glad to meet in their place of worship. For many, memories in those sanctuaries have been reassuring in the midst of a chaotic world.
- It’s nice to shake the hand of a brother or sister in Christ. To be honest, I took another position on handshakes in the midst of COVID. I would still affirm much of that reasoning, but I must admit I’ve grown to appreciate handshakes again.
- Singing together really matters. Early in COVID, many of us got lost in the debates about wearing/not wearing masks while singing (or even singing at all). I don’t deny the need for those discussions then, but I’ve since been strongly reminded of the power of a singing congregation.
- Folks don’t worry much about the clock when they just want to be together to sing songs and hear preaching. The months without gathering in person made us long to be together—and few people worried if the services went “long” when we returned. Believers are less inclined to check the time when their focus is on God, His Word, His work, and His people.
- I need to pray more that our church’s worship would be so God-honoring and powerful that those who remain at home would want to gather with us. Folks may have honest, clear reasons for not yet re-gathering, but I still want them to hear about believers who, like the early church, worship in awe and wonder.
What are your thoughts? What reminders have you encountered?