By Pastor Cameron, Lake Church
In response to the questioning and criticizing from both sides of the “Should Churches Cancel Services?” during the corona virus crisis we are now facing, please allow me to respond.
First, even the most skeptical among us must acknowledge that this newly discovered virus remains largely a mystery to us. It has been officially declared a Pandemic and must be taken seriously.
This does not mean that we panic, rather that we peaceably use common since and discretion in how we handle this or any other crisis.
Second, as always, we must seek counsel from the Word of God. II Timothy 1:7 tells us that God has not given His children a spirit of FEAR.
Therefore, we must remain calm and confident that the Great Physician has Covid-19 under control. II Timothy 1:7 also reminds us that God has given us a spirit of POWER, LOVE, and a SOUND MIND. It is in that spirit that we must be wise and responsible to take any and all measures to protect ourselves, our families, and our fellow citizens during these trying times.
The Lake Church is made up of many Senior citizens who are at high risk, many families whose loved ones are battling cancer, and others who travel in from various parts of our state for the weekend (from areas where cases of the virus have been identified).
Third, as I prayed about how to best handle this situation, two Biblical principles came to mind. (Principle 1) “There is great wisdom in a multitude of counselors” so, I reached out to other pastors, denominational leaders, and our church trustees.
Their counsel was to err on the side of caution and to take aggressive measure to protect the Lake Church family. (Principle 2) “Render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s.”
While we ultimately answer to the authority of God, He instructs us to also respect and render civil obedience to the government (local, state, and federal). This week, NC officials urged groups to temporarily cancel public gatherings and assemblies of 100 or more people. Choosing to heed this official mandate is not an act of spiritual compromise or weakness, rather it is the faith community joining the fight against an infectious disease.
Providentially, this Sunday was set aside as Citizenship Sunday. In the midst of this crisis we are choosing to be faithful Christians by being faithful citizens. Make no mistake, as long as I am the pastor of the Lake Church and White Lake Christian Camp, we will never compromise our biblical convictions nor “give in” to any contemptible laws or policies put forth by our governing officials. In other words, we will render to Caesar unless, by doing so, we rebel against God.
As a local church, we are autonomous. This means we are self-governing and answer only to God and not any hierarchal system. We also respect the autonomy of other churches and their right to make their own decisions on how to handle this crisis. I would trust the same respect would be shown to me, and to our church as well.
Please help me dispel any rumors or wrong information that may be out there. We will continue to carefully and prayerfully monitor this situation and make decisions regarding church services and activities from day to day and from week to week.
Please do your part by monitoring our church website and Facebook page regularly. Also, let us know of any needs that you are aware of in the community. We want to minister to people in need at this time as always. And, finally, please use our online giving via Facebook and the LAKE Church website so that we can continue to maintain our church budget and schedule of activities as Summer is soon approaching. I look forward to keeping in touch with you through any and all available means. Please know that Tiffany and I love you and are praying for you all not only during this crisis but every day. We look forward to things getting back to normal very, very soon.
“ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS”
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