St. Clair Baptist Association

AMS Insights: COVID-19

We are living in unprecedented times. When we face the unknown, we don’t know how to respond. We have seen a broad range of reactions and responses. Many voices are clamoring for our attention and we must be careful who we listen to, as well as be mindful of the words we speak. The church should bring clarity from the midst of confusion.

Our government leaders and medical experts are making recommendations to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the number of deaths. They have more information than we have via the internet and social media. Let’s pray for these men and women and support them by following their suggestions.

This means, temporarily, we will need to limit or stop public gatherings for worship and Bible study. Let’s make the best of a difficult situation. Spend time in prayer and worship as a family. Use phone calls, social media, mail, email, and communication apps to check on others. The church is not a building, but people. Let’s practice faith in our homes and with our neighbors.

Pray for and support your pastor and staff as they lead through this pandemic – something they’ve never done before and were not taught in seminary. We must err on the side of caution to help protect the most vulnerable among us. It is far better to cancel a few gatherings than to risk spreading the disease throughout our congregations and communities.

Continue to give to your church. Mail in your contributions, drop them off at the office if it is open, or give digitally through text giving or online giving. Ministry needs, operating expenses, staff salaries are still needed during this time. As God gives to you, give to His church.

Let me share two reminders:

1. God is still in control.
2. God is still with us.

Now let me share five practical responses to this pandemic.

1. We must pray.
2. We must promote peace, rather than panic.
3. We must be positive.
4. We must listen to people.
5. We must meet needs.

We have a tremendous opportunity before us. Let’s rise to the occasion.

Let’s show our community that we love and trust God, therefore we have hope.

Let’s share the hope of the gospel with our neighbors.

Let’s show the love of God to our neighbors by checking on them, praying with them and for them, and even meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.

Call me if I can serve you in any way.

Bro. Danny (256) 872-2713