New health restrictions were announced this Tuesday that take effect this Sunday, December 13th. Concerning the church, these new restrictions would limit our gathering for worship to 22 people (15% capacity) and forbid us from finding a larger venue to gather in greater numbers. They also forbid any social gatherings of any size both inside or outside. This effectively forbids us from gathering together in worship as a church.
So what shall we do? Before I tell you, I know many will be disappointed, some even angered by this communiqué. On the other hand, many will be relieved, some even joyful over what I’ve written. COVID-19 and issues surrounding it have been divisive in society and in the church. That saddens me as I’m sure it saddens you. Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 reminds us to be mindful of one another and not to put any obstacle before one another that may lead a brother or sister in Christ to sin. Ben and I have made every effort to be mindful of all of you as we discussed the current situation we find ourselves in. Let us, even in disagreement, not bring judgment upon one another knowing that we all must answer to the Lord (Rom 14:4, 10). Our goal is to have the word of God inform our conscience and act accordingly. Neither Ben nor myself wish to bind your conscience before the Lord. Rather we want you all to be persuaded by Scripture and serve the Lord as he leads.
I trust that when we are mindful of the teachings of our God, charity, grace, and liberty in Christ, we can navigate this year in greater unity than the world.
With that reminder and exhortation, what are we doing this Sunday? We will provide an opportunity for those who wish to gather to do just that. Those who are not inclined to attend in person for various reasons are encouraged to join in worship either downstairs or online. Whichever way you decide, may we encourage one another throughout this difficult season.
I give more details on our gatherings at the end of this letter, but I want you to consider this issue of gatherings and guidelines from a few different angles. We’ll consider the issue theologically, scientifically, legally, and politically.
Theologically
The Bible is clear in the following:
- Jesus is King over all the earth, including all kings, powers, and nations (Matt 28:18; Ps 2; Rev 1:5; Col 1:16; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16).
- Our civil government including our mayor, premier, and prime minister all answer to God as his servants (Rom 13:1–4).
- Christ is Lord over all and head directly over the church (Eph 1:20–21). There are no earthly magistrates between the church and Jesus.
- With Christ as head over all, his law rules over all. Everyone will be held accountable to God’s law (Rom 3:19).
- We are called to honor and obey our governing authorities in the state (Rom 13:1–7; 1 Pet 2:13–17), church (Heb 13:17), and home (Eph 5:22–33) unless they (1) forbid what God commands; (2) command what God forbids; or (3) command what is not theirs to command (Daniel 3, 6, Acts 5:29).
- We are commanded to gather especially as the Day draws nearer (Heb 10:25). We are commanded to practice hospitality (1 Pet 4:9; Rom 12:13); sing to one another (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), celebrate the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:17–34), and care for the elderly, widows, and orphans (Jas 1:27).
- The church, being free from earthly rule under the lordship of Jesus, elects its own leaders who lead, teach, guide, and care for the church (Acts 6:5, 20:28; Tit 1:5).
Our church’s statement of faith affirms these truths when it says, “We believe in the entire separation of the church and state.” That is, both institutions are answerable to God, but not answerable to one another. The state has no jurisdiction over the church and its worship. Our statement of faith also declares, “We believe the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day commemorating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; and that it is the divinely appointed day to be kept sacred for worship and spiritual exercise.” And finally, our statement says, “We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of society; that the magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed except only in the things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only Lord of the conscience and Prince of the Kings of the earth.”
With these truths, it is clear that the church is not beholden to earthly rulers to regulate its worship, gatherings, ministries, or mission. The church historic, has at times of war or plague, canceled its gatherings for a temporary period of its own volition. This could even be done under the advisement of civil authorities like we have done in the past. The church is free to establish the best course to follow God’s word even in the midst of trying and unusual circumstances.
Scientifically/Medically
We have access to more information than any other time in history. I’m not an expert in this field compared to biblical matters, but the Government of Alberta has made information available to help us all be educated on COVID and make wise choices.
Let me say this clearly. This virus is real and this virus is serious. It is especially serious for the elderly at the end of life with multiple existing health conditions. We must all acknowledge that the effectiveness and consequences of mandatory masks and lockdowns can be debated from both sides. We must all acknowledge that the right strategies to mitigate risk can be argued from both sides. We must all acknowledge that some will take greater precautions because they are at risk or those close to them are at risk. We must all acknowledge that some are at very low risk and people have different tolerances for risk.
I know there are sharp disagreements as data is presented, but its important for us to be up to date.
- Over 660 people have died across Alberta with COVID-19.
- Currently 124 people are in ICU’s across Alberta with COVID-19.
- Currently almost 700 people are in the hospitals across Alberta with COVID-19.
- There are more than 20,000 active cases across the province.
- The average age of those dying with COVID (82) matches the average age of death in Alberta (81.8). That is, COVID has not affected the statistical averages for deaths or age of death. The data we’re given show that 2020 is a typical year in Alberta or Canada in regard to the number of people who die (500 every week in Alberta). The cause of death related to COVID is up, but deaths related to other causes has declined. While all death is tragic and a reminder of the curse upon the earth that can only be reversed by Jesus, the deaths we are seeing today are not out of the ordinary in a fallen world.
- 11 people have died with COVID-19 without a comorbidity.
- 24 people have died with COVID-19 under the age of 60.
- As case numbers rise, the hospitalization rate (4.1% on October 29, 3.3% on December 10) and death rate (1.1% on October 29, 0.9% on December 10) are dropping.
- Almost all deaths in the province are in nursing homes that care for people at the very end of life.
- The majority of the population will not be seriously affected by this virus.
Even with this brief snapshot we can see why some would be most comfortable to take all the precautions and stay home and why others would be most comfortable to continue to gather together. Let’s seek to have understanding for one another in this regard.
Legally
As citizens of Canada our highest law is the constitution. Within the constitution is the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Explicit is the freedom to assemble, express oneself, and religious worship and practice. These are not selfish freedoms to lord over others, these are laws to protect citizens from the government. These are laws to protect individuals, families, and churches from interference by civil magistrates.
While some might compare the church to other restricted activities like restaurants or casinos, those activities are not constitutionally protected rights. Our constitution states that Canada was founded upon the supremacy of God and the rule of law. Not all freedoms are the same. Fundamental is the right to gather and worship. We are not defying the law as we gather for worship in Canada, rather we uphold the law.
Protections are in place even in our criminal code. Police or other civil servants cannot stop a religious gathering or the ministry of the church (even under a civil ordinance like the present) as per section 176 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Appealing to the law is not selfish. Paul appealed to the law so that the gospel could continue. We can appeal to the law so that worship can continue.
Politically
No one can deny that COVID has become a political issue. This is a problem since politics muddies up scientific or medical research and results. Evolution became a political issue and creationism and intelligent design were banned in schools. Transgenderism was called gender dysphoria and scientifically and medically was a mental illness. Science understood gender to be based on chromosomes, not feelings. Politics entered and now transgenderism is backed by science and medicine. The same is true for homosexuality and climate change. Science is a pursuit, that when politics enters, suddenly becomes a wax nose that can be bent any which way.
Add to this the political correctness of cancel culture, fact-checking, and narratives that silence any dissent. Only the doctors or nurses that agree with the official position are given voice. Others are discredited, ridiculed, or worse. How can we trust science and medicine when politics is involved?
Then there are people like our Prime Minister, who announces to the world that this pandemic is an opportunity to re-imagine our society and economy (a great reset). This re-imagining is thoroughly unchristian in its goals and methods. They openly and specifically aim to change our society away from its Christian foundations and values. One can understand why some church goers are leery to close the doors under such a banner.
We are all engaged in a spiritual conflict together that involves rulers, principalities, and the forces of darkness. We are all called to be on guard, armed with armor of God, including the shield of faith, the belt of truth, and the sword of the Spirit.
The Bottom Line
Knowing that not everyone is in agreement, we will leave it up to each individual/family to follow their own conscience before the Lord—a course we have sought to follow throughout this year.
May God grant you wisdom, courage, love, and tenderness as you think through these things.
Tim Stephens
Questions and Objections
What about multiple smaller services?
First, there are the theological implications of having multiple assemblies. The word church means assembly and so the gathering of the saints together and at one time (even if some are remotely tuned in during this unusual time) is essential to what it means to be a church. There are also questions surrounding what multiple services means for the Lord’s Supper. We want to first and foremost be careful to follow the commands of Scripture and be mindful about making practical changes that may deviate from our Lord’s commands.
Second, we would need 7 to 8 services on Sunday to accommodate, a logistical impossibility.
Third, we are always shooting at a moving target. We were asked to reduce our gatherings to 30% for three weeks. We ran three services as a temporary measure but after two weeks the reduction was changed to 15% for the next four weeks.
Why is there little concern about spreading the disease and hurting others? Aren’t many churches online as an act of loving their neighbor?
It is true that many churches (the majority) have chosen to have online services during this time as an act of love for their neighbors by reducing interaction and the potential spread of the virus.
It’s important to know there are many expressions of love toward neighbor. An online chat or text is encouraging and loving. Others need a face to face conversation and others need a hug. Some will risk illness in order to love those in the body who need the gathered family of believers. For some, gathering together is an essential act of love.
We must be mindful how we define love for God and love for neighbor and then use our definitions to judge each other.
What about government health orders?
We have no intention of gaining notoriety or to be defiant to our leaders. We honor them, pray for them, and thank God for them. They are in an incredibly difficult position. Unfortunately we’ve been put in an incredibly difficult decision by the orders they’ve given. We must understand that some feel this is a time that we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
Aren’t Christians supposed to be selfless and give up their rights rather than trying to fight for them?
Our highest laws in Canada and the rights they seek to preserve are important but not the highest law that we have. Many see gathering for worship not as an issue or rights to be selfishly hung onto, but a duty and responsibility commanded by God in his word. At the end of the day, regardless of where we fall on these issues, this is what we all want to encourage each other to do: to obey God above all else as an act of love and devotion to him.