Over the past few weeks, I have taken advantage of the opportunities to worship in church buildings with God’s people and it has been great! Throughout this pandemic, I have appreciated the willingness of pastors and churches to stretch their comfort zones to minister through online services, not only to their church families, but to their communities and beyond. However, we must remember the importance of worship where the koinonia fellowship of the family of God is such a blessed part. Koinonia is what we strive for in the Christian church. We were created to be in fellowship with one another and we desire an intimate community in which we are cared for and may care for others. I have had many conversations about the danger of Christians living in isolation and the effect that might have on the body of Christ. As the song goes, “We really do need each other.” What is involved in these relationships of the family of God? They include love, accountability, sharing, encouraging, discipline, support and so much more. I have heard about many churches developing congregations of online worship, but in most of these, there is an important component of small groups of believers coming together to have this important fellowship.

This past weekend, I attended Hickory Grove AC Church in Four Oaks, N.C. This is one of my former pastorates, and I feel very much at home in all of them. It was great to gather for worship and greet people that I know pray for me, care about what is going on in my life, care about my family and support the ministry of the Advent Christian Church. I can’t get that from participating in worship online. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that virtual worship services are a great ministry and can be a powerful way to reach the lost and minister to shut-ins or isolated people. Though I don’t believe it can take the place long-term of coming together and enjoying worship and fellowship for the health and growth of believers and the church.