Since Sunshine Church implemented COVID protocol safety measures, worship services have had a production feel to it. A need was created and we filled that need, but it still feels “produced.” Jamie and I sit on stools staring into a camera with an empty auditorium to speak to people sitting at home (more than one person has joked about us stepping into a televangelist role). The music we hear is overlaid with the high quality sound from Acappella Praise & Harmony with emphasis on the word, harmony. Jacob Miller has managed the “performance” from behind the scenes to help produce the best visual product possible. All because, when the pandemic hit, the show must go on.
James gives a stern warning for those who want to teach, for those who do will be held to a higher standard than others (Jas. 3:1). He is not decrying teaching, but he is reminding those of us who do teach that practicing what we preach is crucial to teaching. He’s not calling for fewer teachers, but for more teachers to model faith. But herein lies the difficulty. Not only do Sunday sermons come every seven days, but so does the Sunday evening and Wednesday evening bible classes. A lot of content and instruction funnels through the church, and that’s not counting the numerous other bible class instructions. While the pandemic streamlined the teaching, generally the church is begging and pleading with members to step into roles of teaching so that students have their teacher, leaving James’ concern far behind.
“It just seems like there’s something I’m leaving behind, but the show must go on.”*
Following the events of Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal, we find him on the run. Did he believe that his moment on Mt. Carmel would ignite a great awakening and revival in Israel? Did he convince himself that a place of honor and status awaited him in Samaria? Was he that surprised that Ahab and Jezebel sought to have him executed? Did it ever occur to him that Mt. Carmel was too much about him and not enough about God? Regardless, he found himself spiritually and emotionally depleted and alone. Not wanting to go on any further, he was through with preaching and living.
“I just keep pretending to live for the game, so the show must go on.”*
When Paul wrote to the Corinthians for the second time, he included three sections known as “Affliction Lists” (4:8-10; 6:3-10; 11:23-29). In these passsages, Paul underscores the amount of pain he has endured for the sake of Christ (we’re probably more familiar with clay jar section of 4:8-10 and his final list of “boasting” in 11:23-29, than we are with chapter six). While he writes with hope, he refuses to gloss over his experiences, even admitting he felt like Elijah where he despaired even of life (1:8). But God holds Paul together, fueling his strength, passion and joy. And while he’s endured difficult days where he wants to give up, something inside of him wouldn’t quit.
“I just keep on bending the rules to fit the pain so the show must go on.”*
So here we endure while we wade through the floods from COVID. We settle for the online presence and worship, because it’s available with modern technology. But like every other social media platform, it cannot replace togetherness as it causes separation anxiety. We long to gather as a church. We ache to assemble in person so that we can look into each other’s eyes while praising God and encouraging one another. But even when the date is set for in-person worship, COVID will still hover like dark rain clouds. Even though vaccinations are rolling out, questions remain. How long will we have to wear masks? Will my hands ever heal from being chapped from all the handwashing? How long till social distancing is lifted? What will the result of the new virus strains be? I don’t know the answer to these burning questions; I don’t believe anyone really does. But this I do know. Whether online or in-person, whether the auditorium is empty, partially filled or filled, whether COVID hovers or dissipates, we will continue offering a platform for worship. Because the show must go on.
Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e., only God is glorified!)
* Words by Bill Chaplin & Bruce Gaitsch