In the early 2nd century there was a booklet written as an instruction guide for Christian churches, which were still figuring out how to be church in that early period, when the books of the New Testament were still on the “New Releases” shelf. The booklet was called The Didache: Teachings of the Twelve Apostles. It had helpful suggestions for things like worship, church administration, and daily living. Here are the instructions for how to perform baptisms:
“Baptize in running water, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. If you have no running water, baptize in other water, and if you cannot use cold water, use warm. If you have neither, pour water on the head three times, in the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.”
I like those instructions because first they give the ideal way to baptize someone back then, but they go on to suggest backup options for when the ideal was not possible. Baptism was so important that even when the best situation wasn’t available, the holy act should still happen. Even in less than ideal conditions (like having to use “other water”) God’s grace was still present, and new disciples still could have the experience of that holy moment.
That’s the situation we’re in now. These days we can’t practice church the way we used to, the way we love—our ideal situation. When we come to church we are blessed by holy moments, and God’s grace is present, but we can’t come right now. At least not in person. So like our second-century Christian ancestors, we have to figure out other backup options that are less than ideal, but ones that let us still connect with God and each other.
The “other water” of YouTube just isn’t the same as being in our sanctuary. But worship is so important that nothing should keep us from doing it. God’s grace is still present, even if the “Amens” are now in Facebook comments and e-mails. And we can still have holy moments from home, in a Zoom call instead of a Sunday School room, and in pajamas instead of our Sunday best.
As we all figure out different ways to experience God and walk in faith together with each other, we are learning new things. We’ve learned that the church’s buildings are valuable resources, but they are not the church. You all, all of us, we are the church, because we are the Body of Christ in the world. That means every home is like a satellite campus of our church; every living room can be a chapel for prayer and a house of worship. Every phone is a medium for ministry. And most importantly, every person has the priestly calling of encouraging others, caring for neighbors, and strengthening the Body of Christ.
So yes, we are ministering and doing church in less-than-ideal conditions, but that doesn’t mean God’s grace is any less powerful. Nor does it mean our calling as kingdom builders is on pause. In fact, when we are weak then we are strong. So let new avenues of grace be new kinds of blessings for you. And may they give you holy strength on days you feel weak.