Since the Covid-19 Outbreak reached Mississippi two weeks ago, churches have been placed in the unusual circumstance of closing their doors to their congregations for their safety.
One way local churches have found to still provide their services to their members, as well as non-members, is to stream their services online via Facebook, their church website, or other platforms.
This past weekend was the first time for both First Baptist Church Union and First Baptist Church Newton to provide their services online. And while their outcomes were a success, it was stressful the amount of time they had to prepare for the moment.
According to John Martin, Pastor at First Baptist Church Union, while they had to make sure their internet service was up to the challenge to providing a streamed service, they realized that they may have to do more to provide to those wanting to hear their message.
“Other than streaming our services online via Facebook, for instance, there are some out there that may not have internet service or computers, so we also need to provide our services on DVD or other ways,” he said.
Another challenge that came with streaming worship services online during this time of social distancing is conducting the service with an empty church. Randy Cuchens, Music Minister at First Baptist Church Newton, said that this was the first time in his 45 years of ministry that he can remember singing to an empty building.
But while somewhat of a challenge, he felt he worshiped as much this past Sunday as when the building was full of people.
“The Church is the people. It certainly was a challenge when your members are not there,” Cuchens said, “But in my spirit, I knew there were people out there joining with us in worship.”
While they are happy to be able to still provide church services for those wanting to hear the Word, both want you to know that there will be a day that people will be able to once again walk through the doors of their church.
“Going through this has more unified and reinvigorated the church”, Martin said. “We’ve gotten back to the bare bones of church, which is preaching the gospel. Our people are communicating better and are excited to be back together.”
Cuchens adds, “This too shall pass. Over and over, the Bible reminds us to do not fear, God’s in control. Don’t panic, don’t have a spirit of fear. Hunker down, use precautions, adhere to CDC recommendations that are for our very best. But ultimately, trust God.”
