Redefining Church: Community and Care in Challenging Times

 

Summary

In these challenging times, the heart of a pastor is deeply burdened by the inability to gather physically with the congregation. Reflecting on Philippians 1:3, there is a profound longing for the community of believers, a yearning that underscores the essence of genuine conversion and fellowship. The current situation has prompted a reevaluation of what it means to be the church when traditional gatherings are not possible. This has led to a newfound appreciation for technology, which now serves as a vital tool for maintaining connection and community among the saints.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the church remains a vibrant community through virtual means. Streaming services and organizing small group meetings via conference calls are some of the ways being employed to keep the congregation engaged in the study of God's word and in prayer. Pastoral care has taken on a new dimension, with a focus on checking in on senior members and ensuring their well-being. This period is a reminder of the importance of human connection and mutual care, emphasizing the need for the church to be a community of fellowship.

The role of pastors is being redefined, moving beyond the pulpit to embody the true heart of a shepherd. This involves a reliance on the plurality of elders, seeking wisdom and discernment collectively, and making decisions in unity. It is a time to lean on the governance structure that God has provided, rather than acting independently. The significance of deacons and their work in the church and community is also highlighted, as they play a crucial role in the broader mission of the church.

There is a call to be mindful of smaller churches and those in rural areas that may not have the same resources. These communities need strategic support and prayers as they navigate these times. Additionally, there is a caution against opportunism, urging pastors to encourage their congregants to return to their home churches once normalcy resumes. The generosity of organizations like Ligonier, offering free teaching resources, is a testament to the spirit of service and support that is needed now more than ever.

Key Takeaways:

- The longing for community and fellowship is a mark of genuine conversion, reminding us of the deep connections that define the church. This yearning is a call to find new ways to be the church, even when traditional gatherings are not possible. [00:22]

- Technology, once a source of complaint, is now a blessing that enables connection and community. It is a tool to be stewarded wisely, allowing the church to continue its mission through virtual services and meetings. [01:39]

- Pastoral care is being redefined, emphasizing the role of pastors as shepherds who care deeply for their flock. This involves a collective reliance on the wisdom of elders and a commitment to unity in decision-making. [06:29]

- Smaller churches and those in rural areas face unique challenges and need our prayers and support. They must find strategic ways to care for their congregations without the resources that larger churches may take for granted. [07:53]

- There is a need for integrity and caution among pastors, ensuring that the focus remains on serving their own congregations and not taking advantage of the current situation to draw members from other churches. [09:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Longing for Community
- [01:05] - Redefining Church
- [01:39] - Embracing Technology
- [02:09] - Virtual Connections
- [02:44] - Pastoral Care Focus
- [03:18] - Importance of Fellowship
- [03:55] - Heart of a Shepherd
- [04:45] - Beyond the Pulpit
- [06:00] - Plurality of Elders
- [06:29] - Unity in Decision-Making
- [07:19] - Role of Deacons
- [07:53] - Supporting Small Churches
- [08:27] - Navigating New Norms
- [09:25] - Integrity in Ministry
- [09:51] - Generosity in Resources

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 1:3-11
- Romans 12:9-13

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Observation Questions:

1. In Philippians 1:3, Paul expresses gratitude for the believers. How does this reflect the pastor's longing for community and fellowship during challenging times? [00:22]

2. How has technology become a tool for maintaining connection and community among believers, according to the sermon? [01:39]

3. What new dimensions of pastoral care are being emphasized in the sermon, especially concerning senior members of the congregation? [02:44]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of deacons and their importance in the church and community? [07:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the longing for community and fellowship serve as a mark of genuine conversion, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:22]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the role of pastors is being redefined beyond the pulpit? How does this relate to the concept of being a shepherd? [04:45]

3. How does the sermon highlight the importance of unity in decision-making among church leaders? What role does the plurality of elders play in this process? [06:29]

4. What challenges do smaller churches and those in rural areas face, and how can the broader church community support them during these times? [07:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own longing for community and fellowship. How can you actively seek to connect with others in your church community during times when physical gatherings are not possible? [00:22]

2. Technology has become a vital tool for connection. How can you personally use technology to maintain and strengthen your relationships within the church? [01:39]

3. Consider the new dimensions of pastoral care mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute to the well-being of senior members or others in need within your church community? [02:44]

4. The sermon emphasizes the role of deacons. How can you support the work of deacons in your church, and what practical steps can you take to assist in their mission? [07:19]

5. Smaller churches face unique challenges. How can you offer strategic support or prayers for these communities, especially if you are part of a larger church with more resources? [07:53]

6. The sermon warns against opportunism in ministry. How can you ensure that your focus remains on serving your own congregation and not taking advantage of the current situation? [09:25]

7. Reflect on the generosity of organizations like Ligonier. How can you embody a spirit of generosity and service in your own life, especially during challenging times? [09:51]

Devotional

Day 1: Longing for Genuine Community
In times of separation, the longing for community and fellowship becomes a profound marker of genuine conversion. This yearning is not just a desire for social interaction but a deep spiritual connection that defines the church. The inability to gather physically challenges believers to find new ways to embody the essence of the church. It is a call to innovate and adapt, ensuring that the bonds of fellowship remain strong even when traditional gatherings are not possible. This longing is a reminder of the deep connections that define the church and the importance of nurturing these relationships in creative ways. [00:22]

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1:3-5, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your church community do you feel most disconnected from right now? How can you reach out to them this week to rekindle that connection?


Day 2: Embracing Technology as a Blessing
Technology, once a source of complaint, has become a blessing that enables connection and community. It is a tool that, when stewarded wisely, allows the church to continue its mission through virtual services and meetings. This period has prompted a reevaluation of how technology can be used to maintain the vibrancy of the church community. By embracing these tools, believers can stay engaged in the study of God's word and in prayer, ensuring that the mission of the church continues despite physical separation. [01:39]

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can use technology this week to encourage someone in your church community?


Day 3: Redefining Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is being redefined, emphasizing the role of pastors as shepherds who care deeply for their flock. This involves a collective reliance on the wisdom of elders and a commitment to unity in decision-making. The role of pastors is moving beyond the pulpit, embodying the true heart of a shepherd who seeks the well-being of the congregation. This period highlights the importance of pastoral care that is attentive, compassionate, and unified, ensuring that the needs of the congregation are met in a holistic manner. [06:29]

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you support your church leaders in their pastoral care efforts this week?


Day 4: Supporting Smaller Churches
Smaller churches and those in rural areas face unique challenges and need our prayers and support. These communities must find strategic ways to care for their congregations without the resources that larger churches may take for granted. It is crucial to be mindful of these challenges and offer support, whether through prayer, resources, or encouragement. This period calls for a spirit of generosity and solidarity, ensuring that all parts of the body of Christ are supported and cared for. [07:53]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can support a smaller church or rural congregation this week?


Day 5: Integrity in Ministry
There is a need for integrity and caution among pastors, ensuring that the focus remains on serving their own congregations and not taking advantage of the current situation to draw members from other churches. This period is a call to maintain integrity in ministry, focusing on the well-being of one's own congregation and encouraging congregants to return to their home churches once normalcy resumes. It is a reminder of the importance of serving with a pure heart and a spirit of humility. [09:25]

"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly." (1 Peter 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your actions and words this week reflect integrity and humility in your ministry or service to others?

Quotes

"I woke up this morning with Philippians 1 and 3, and Paul saying, 'I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, but I feel that longing and yearning for the people of the church that God has made me a part of.' Just as a pastor carry a heavy heart of burden and concern that we're not able to meet together." [00:22:15]

"There is a mark of genuine conversion, I think revealed in it. We are talking among our elders and our staff about just what it means to be the church when you can in the vernacular of the tradition I grew up in, how to be the church when you can't have church." [00:59:18]

"Some of the things that I would complain about related to technology I'm now thankful for because it is the means by which we are able to primarily have contact and connection with the saints at our church. We're trying to be good stewards of it and take advantage of every opportunity to connect through those means." [01:39:57]

"All of our pastors and staff, I said this week, all of us have a new job description, it's kind of primary for all of us so just pastoral care and just checking on the saints. We have many senior members in our church and a priority for us is just to check on them, to see that all is well with them and if there's any way we can be of service to them." [02:30:99]

"As my older brother in the faith, you're an example to me and to many because you're a true pastor. Perhaps this goes without saying, but just hearing the tone in which you addressed this question, we all got to hear the heart of a pastor, not just a pulpiteer, not just a preacher, but as a shepherd." [04:37:62]

"One of the things that I heard and we we're discussing even earlier that is in... that we both have in common among our church or between our churches is that we are doing all things in accordance with the plurality of the elders. Right now there is communication going back and forth with our pastors and our elders talking about the communication that's going to come out, Lord willing tomorrow to our congregation." [06:01:09]

"I think that's very vital that we remember the importance of the plurality of elders that God has appointed to his church and to seek that wisdom and discernment among a multitude of the counselors that God has appointed and that we strive even as we were talking, that thankfully there is unanimity, that there's a unity of mind that we are striving for so that we are making decisions together." [06:31:05]

"This is a time for us to rely upon the government of the church that God has given to us, of the elders. I'm going to be speaking hopefully in a little while about the importance of the role of the deacons, the significance. There's one of the deacons from St. Andrews who's seated here this morning and the importance of the deacons and the work that they are doing in the church and of course in the community." [07:06:33]

"Hearing that just as a reminder for us as well, to just be prayerful for pastors in small churches, in rural places where even just what we're talking about, streaming stuff is something we take for granted that is still an issue for them. They have... they don't have that to take for granted and some of the resources and they are going to have to find strategic ways in the midst of this to be with their people, to care for their people, to serve their people, they just need our prayers." [07:53:27]

"I think it's important that those pastors of those churches are doing what they can to emphasize that those people return to their churches in the regular assembly of the saints on the Lord's day. I'm assuming that's happening, but I would hope that no pastor would take advantage of this and be opportunistic about this and striving to steal sheep from other congregations during this time." [09:12:10]

"I do want to thank God for Ligonier and going to bed last night I saw the news that during this period, the teaching resources have been made available for free. I've just been trying to share that news with as many people as I can where there'll be sound doctrine available to serve churches that are not going to be able to serve." [09:41:07]

"So, I do want to just praise God to that heart of generosity to be able to serve the church these things." [10:05:41]

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Transcript
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