PassionCityChurch Responding to the Virus

Earlier this year, in one of our very own classes before returning home as a result of the current viral outbreak, we discussed how churches should engage in the world during this unique time. Over the following months the world has certainly seen a variety of responses from different churches, some even resulting in the temporary arrests of pastors who have continued to hold church meetings despite the legislation of the government. While I do believe that the church should stand and there may be a time when it should stand against the government, now is not that time. So how should a church engage culture at this time? PassionCityChurch based in Atlanta, Georgia, is doing an excellent jab at being the hands and feet of Jesus and shinning a light in a redemptive manner in their city. The church leadership, at the beginning of this crisis, met with their local government and received permission to operate out of their building with a limited number of people under social distancing guidelines. From their campus, with a minimal staff, they have broadcast live services out to the world that feature a live worship band, various linked in guest speakers and team members, and an on campus, often in a different room, message preached by the pastoral staff. In addition, they have made every part of the building that they do not use for recording or broadcasting, into a base and storage center for relief supplies that during certain days, those in need can drive into the parking lot and receive the essentials required to continue in their life. Finally, the PassionCity parking lot was also volunteered by church leadership to act as the host for mobile testing centers. This center is a place outside of the hospitals where any individual can come and be tested for the virus by a medically trained professional. This is a picture of the love of Christ shown through His church combined with wisdom that is bringing about true redemptive impact.