#Brenda_Kunneman

I agree with Pastor Brenda! Great Word! Let’s all work together IN A SPIRIT OF FAITH!
-Helen Utegaard

(From Once Voice Ministries)
Hi all, Pastor Brenda here.  Wanted to share my thoughts about churches pausing services amidst the Coronavirus crisis.  With churches across the nation putting their services on pause or going to an online only format, we are seeing all sorts of reactions, mostly supportive.  However, there is that populous of people who think churches who took this step were spineless and “caved” to government pressure and gave in to fear.  Some have even gone so far to suggest they would never attend a church again if it canceled. Unfortunately, those who are saying such things are not considering all the issues involved.  

Actually the churches who canceled did NOT do so because of fear.  They did it to show support to local agencies who are asking the public and private sector to assist (wherever they have the power to do so) in containing the virus.  That includes disinfecting, hand washing, handshakes, avoiding group assembling etc.  If secular businesses, schools and sports franchises chose to willingly pause their activities for a time period, while churches refuse to take similar sacrificial steps, how does that look for us?  Believers are not here to be non-conformists.  It’s not like we were asked to compromise the basic tenants of our faith or told we can’t preach the Word of God.  That’s an entirely different situation.  Instead, people have been asked to reduce congregational assemblies where possible for now.  This is simply a temporary public health situation.  For us, the size of LOH exceeds the Nebraska governor’s mentioned threshold of 250 so we are happy to comply.  We all don’t know how long this all will last, but as believer’s I feel we need to try and be supportive and become team players wherever we can.  This has nothing to do with fear (even if some are in fear right now).  It has everything to do with being subject to the powers of governing authorities as the Scriptures command.  

And yes, many Americans stand to lose revenues at this point and I know that’s a concern for many churches, especially those who lack online and electronic giving capabilities, but that’s where believers in every church need to stay committed to their tithes and offerings and undergird their pastor.  All in all, let’s all work together.  Support your pastor, in whatever he or she has decided and keep giving to the church and speak well of it.  Pastors across this nation all have good and just reasons for either cancelling altogether, going to an online only format or even continuing with their normal service format.  The variables on why they made their decision are all valid, so let’s not be critical.  Be a team player.  We need to unite and this will pass.