Controversy is all around us. It seems that since March 2020 there has been no lack of fodder for the fires of argument. The past 9 months has fueled so much discord, anger, and downright uncivil interactions. Much of these “conversations” have played out in public spheres, especially the arena known as social media. While I have no intention of adding fuel to those fires there has been plenty on my mind and heart to think through as a leader.

Leadership is difficult on any given day, but it seems as though 2020 has heightened that hardship. It has seemed especially so in my leadership context of a church. The reality is that every other church leader I have interacted with during this year has lamented how arduous this season has been to make decisions knowing it affects so many people. The complexity just increases as one understands no matter what resolution is determined, someone or a group of someone’s is bound to be disillusioned. This has been unusually the case even as church leaders determined and reassess currently if gathering in person should be done – despite what some government officials advise or command.

My discipleship to Christ needs my fellow saints, and they need me. We’re one body. Gathering doesn’t make us the church, but it does make us a church.

Jonathan Leeman

Deciding whether to gather physically as a church was not a decision our leadership team made lightly, nor is it something we do not reassess regularly. But it was interesting to hear how others processed the situation with varying restrictions. One of those situations is expressed in Jonathan Leeman’s article “The DC Mayor Doesn’t Get to Define Church“. While I don’t agree with everything he states, I appreciate the depth of thought and reflection Leeman shows in the article.

If you’re a leader I would love to hear from you and what your decision making process has looked like during this time. If you’re a church leader, I’m even more looking forward to your comments. Enjoy the article and as always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash