This time of crisis will pass. Our lives will return to some kind of normality (no doubt changed and chastened in a variety of ways). There will undoubtedly be an eagerness to reflect on our experiences as churches and to learn from them, from the different way of life we have been forced to live, to highlight the things that need to change and how those changes can be made.
It will be crucial, however, for us to take notice of the right things as we come through this crisis. A prime example, among many, would be technology and its helpfulness. But we must be very careful not to so much ask how technology can help us post-crisis (yes, ask that question, but in the context of a renewed exploration of the biblical portrayal of the church in its life and worship). Ask, rather, how can we take forward the emphasis on corporate prayer, on the simplicity of fellowship expressed in practical service, on a renewed appreciation of and desire for the Word of God, and on a daily, personal reliance upon him. How do we continue to worship him more fervently, in Spirit and in truth. How do we convey to the world the crisis that is humanity before God in its sin and hopelessness.
Because if a church comes through the crisis and isn't more prayerful, isn't more convinced of its need of and dependance upon the Lord and his Word, isn't wanting to be ever closer to him and to each other, then that church would seem to be destined to be endlessly shallow and superficial, that even if it improves and polishes its outer appearance it will only remain a husk, devoid of a quickened life. And what will be true of that church will, of course, in large part, be true of its members.
We will need to focus relentlessly on the right things, on the heart of the matter. Not leaving other things undone or unconsidered but making sure the weightier matters are given their due weight.
