In the midst of many complex and logistical decisions, I believe there also lies an opportunity for the gospel. Rodney Stark in his book,
The Rise of Christianity
writes about what happened in the early centuries when disease hit. He says,
“Thus, at a time when all other faiths were called to question, Christianity offered explanation and comfort. Even more important, Christian doctrine provided a prescription for action. That is, the Christian way appeared to work.”
When I was a pastor in Florida, I remember a few times when worship service had to be canceled because a hurricane was coming (or had come). Ironically, when we didn’t have church, I saw our church behave most like The Church. People inside and outside the church were assisted with preparations or repairs. Single adults, older or younger, stayed with others to ride out to the storm so they were not alone. People with power served those that didn’t have power. Individuals in a state of panic were comforted by the gospel of Jesus Christ.