And how, for my first “hot take”:

I 100% value and esteem corporate gatherings. But I’ve been out of America for more than a decade now, mostly in areas that don’t have a church at all, let alone 15 to choose from on the main drag of town. So corona “hits different” than much of

what I’m reading in my timeline. It is a good thing that many Americans miss “going to church.” I don’t despise that. But I’m seeing a lot a lot a lot of language that equates “going to church” (via live stream or stay-in-your-car outdoor service, whatever) with

“declaring the Gospel” and “being the people of God” and I gotta say....I don’t think it’s either of those things.

Gathering together is a luxury. It’s a privilege, but so is loving Jesus where there are no buildings. Having a public corporate meeting place is a luxury.

It’s an encouragement. It can be very beautiful and I’m grateful to get together with my sending community when I visit. But if we mix “hanging out with believing buddies and singing songs we all affirm” with proclaiming Jesus, we will be very effective at building country clubs

and incredibly ineffective at making disciples who love Jesus and obey all He has commanded.

Time and eternity will collide in the fire of His coming. Much we are building now will not survive into eternity.

Build wisely. Maybe corona is doing us some favors in the meantime.