A lot has changed in the world because of COVID-19. Social gatherings have been halted in order to prevent the spread of a disease that has no cure.
What hasn’t changed is the fact that people need to be cared for within the context of community.
Microchurches Exploded
On March 15th, every church that gathers primarily in a building had a new experience. They couldn’t assemble together in that way.
While they wouldn’t classify themselves as micro-churches, they became that momentarily for the sake and care of their congregants.
My question is how do we pivot?
How can we make disciples in what is being dubbed as the new normal?
Micro is the New Macro
The government put out some guidelines for COVID-19. In those guidelines it stated that groups should be no larger than 10 people.
For however long this quarantine lasts and a vaccine is created, some people are going to be concerned, scared even about being around others in large settings.
Gathering in groups of 10 or less is a good way for people to stay engaged with their spiritual family as maturity happens best through interdependent relationships with other Christ followers. Even if those gatherings take place virtually.
I believe that micro-churches are postured to do just that.
The Centrality of Discipleship that Leads to Disciple Makers
I’m all for streaming church services online and via social media, but discipleship doesn’t necessarily happen there.
Social media platforms are being inundated with services which is awesome. The fact that technology is available and can accommodate making the gospel accessible to so many is a good thing.
My concern is that we don’t make the mistake of using another platform that keeps spectators doing just that, rather than training them to be disciple makers.
Imagine the impact that a centralized church of 1000 members with 100 micro-churches consisting of 10 people can make in a city or town… Or the impact…
