It is with a very heavy heart that I had to announce today the closure of our church services for the next four weeks as England enters a new lockdown.
I produced a couple of videos for the fellowship. The first contains the details of the announcement and how things will work in terms of ministry and support.
The second video is a much longer one, where I explored the rationale for following the government rules. Church leaders and members in the UK have been reflecting on whether this is another occasion when we are “subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1) or where “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The video below is my response to these questions.
We live in difficult times and it is easy for Christians to fall out over issues like this. It is sad to see comments on well respected blogs accusing church leaders of selling out to the government. On the other hand, I have seen equally dismissive comments about those who are questioning the current regulations.
So, my appeal to Christians and church leaders is this:
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV
The best is yet to come 