Image: Karl Fredrickson | Ungroup

As of today, the CDC has recommended that all gatherings of 50 or more people should be canceled for the next 8 weeks.

Small church win, right?

Wrong.

No one wins in this.

No “I told you so’s”

As a long-time proponent of the value of small churches, you might think I’m tempted to issue an “I told you so” about small churches being better than big churches.

I’m not going to do that.

Because it’s not true.

We Need Churches Of Every Size

I’ve never told anyone that small churches are better than big churches. I’ve never even hinted at it.

In fact I’ve repeatedly stated that small churches are not better than big churches, and big churches are not better than small churches.

As I’ve always said, the body of Christ needs churches of every size. That is especially true now. We need the resources of big churches and the relational pastoral voice of small churches.

One Church

It’s a difficult time for everyone.

That is why, now more than ever, we must show the world a united front.

Even while we can’t gather together for church, we must band together as the church. Big churches, small churches and the people we all serve.

Loving Our Neighbors

The CDC is giving us wise counsel in these recommendations about group size.

Even if you’re able-bodied and unlikely to be in danger, following these rules is the best way to minimize the likelihood of passing this illness to those who are more vulnerable than you.

It’s simply “love your neighbor” in a different form than we’re used to seeing it.

Be The Church

I look forward to the day when large churches are able to gather again.

I will celebrate that with them.

Until then, I will pray that my fellow pastors in churches of all sizes will act wisely, bravely, faithfully and in unity. That we will find new ways to care for the most vulnerable among us. That we will truly be the church.

Smaller Meetings, Bigger Hearts

The size of our gatherings has been severely reduced for now.

But the size of our hearts should be as big as God’s.

That’s what the world needs to see from all of us.

Copyright © 2020 by the author or Christianity Today.
Click here to read our guidelines concerning reprint permissions.