Returning to Normality

A question frequently asked these days, by the media, some politicians and those who frequented church: what does returning to normality mean?

Some may respond with “return to what?” I think that’s a really valid question, one which should not be dismissed too glibly.

Responses from the Congregation

In a recent online church service such a question was asked and the responses were really informative. (People use the chat facility within Zoom to dialogue in the service. Sacrilege to some, a blessing to others – for they are actively participating.) Those attending came from the local Baptist, Methodist & independent churches {Todmorden Christian Fellowship} as well as those whom do not regularly attend any denomination. It’s great for all are welcome! So here, returning to normality isn’t clearly evident.

Traditional Worship has its limitations, but “it will still be more of an experience than just online participation!” was one response. This suggests that when “normal service is returned” we are ok; but what of these 3 months of online services? What have they given, and which some have resonated with?

“Can we have a traditional, online church AND one for those who don’t attend church?”
It could be all so different!
“Some people may not wish to leave their home and also aren’t able to access the online material, but they are still loved by God. How could the church support them?”

This idea was welcomed but I think the keyword here is “support“. How could the ‘church’ support those who do not attend their services? Or is it a transactional process where if they don’t ‘play ball’ with what the church offers we won’t help them? I hope not. Again, returning to normality is directly questioned here.

Does this graphic help with trying to understand what is needed possibly post the pandemic?

Bible Verses

There are particular verses which emphasise that coming together in worship is expected.
Matthew 18:20, Acts 14:27, and Hebrews 10:25 all advocate meeting together. What was the context of those verses when they were written perhaps? And what is our context?

Perhaps we are seeking a smorgasbord of opportunities, meeting people where they are, today, amidst this busy unprecedented world.

These are people who may have busy lives, who may want to visit relatives on a Sunday morning because that’s the only time they can. They may wish to sing hymns/songs from this century and not be told what to do, when to sit or stand. Or they may not be ones who appreciate the tranquility, the solemnity of some churches. They could just wish seek to engage with fellow Gospel travellers in practical ways.

Mixed Solutions

This idea of a mixed solution, where many options are available might help with people in the 21st Century. “Having online meetings may attract people who would prefer not go to a church service that is held in a building, so could we have ‘church’ in a pub or café or outside?” Outside may be really very good in these Covid days, albeit not so pleasant in the winter!

The idea of a cafe or pub church, possibly like this one in Leeds, sounded quite attractive. May be not even on a Sunday but on a weekday evening perhaps? It could provide a “good sense of community and being at ease“. Those “midweek opportunities would be useful for us shift workers who are often working at weekends” was another response.

Yes we would not be in direct control of that building, but perhaps we need to be strangers in the land for a while?

Extra Workload?

The additional workload from ministers, worship leaders, the people of the church may detract from their other work. Or alternatively, it could be seen as a way of balancing the current demands with those who wish to attend.

Whom do we serve:
our ministers,
the congregation or
providing a space to encounter God?

This ties in with the tension between Guest and Host.

Perhaps we are seeking a smorgasbord of opportunities, meeting people where they are, today, amidst this busy unprecedented world. There’s more than one model of church that we know.

Let’s love and live dangerously

Returning to normality may be a wish for some, but not one we heard at the service. I’ll close this with the last response from today’s service – and it’s not from the minister.

My prayer is for a church of diversity, creativity and inclusiveness, whatever form that takes. Let us no go back to what is familiar and secure. Let us love and live dangerously.

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There are a lot of questions here. Perhaps you’d like to respond, continue to dialogue on the points which resonate with you? That would be great! You can comment below, adding your email or do it anonymously. Let’s build a community which seeks the next steps.