KCBC Post-Pandemic Vision

In the sovereignty of God, the Covid-19 pandemic has delivered a shock to our whole civilisation. Even as we care for those who have fallen ill, or been bereaved, let us pray that it will direct people back to the Lord, as the only foundation for our hope. In this, we welcome the contribution of medical science, and the vaccine programme, as one part of God’s solution to the pandemic. 

It is likely, however, that immediate post-pandemic planning will last at least two more years. There will be ongoing consequences for many years: such as health problems, mental and physical, as well as economic results, in lost businesses and lost jobs. As a local church, we too must therefore discern God’s guidance for this new era in world history.

Among the challenges, however, there will be fresh opportunities to share the Good News of God’s kingdom. Many of these possibilities will be unforeseen by us, so we shall need to be responsive to the openings which God presents to us spontaneously in the constantly changing situation.

We plan to return to the church building for services on Easter Sunday 4^th April. This celebration of the Resurrection is an apt occasion to also enjoy a return to our church home. The pandemic has been an opportunity to rediscover the truth that the church is not the building, but the people.

The experience of meeting virtually online has therefore been enriching, and ironically enabled many to participate who found it difficult to attend midweek meetings for example. So, even as we return to in-person services, we shall continue with online meetings as well. This has been a permanent gain, as services through social media have extended our reach to new people.

Nevertheless, we realise we have missed meeting one another physically as a whole congregation, and look forward to these encounters occurring again. However, we shall have to continue social distancing measures, mask-wearing, and refrain from congregational singing, for the foreseeable future. In addition, we shall continue to share our services online.

Many call this two-fold ministry a form of hybrid church, serving both those who feel comfortable in the building, and those who, for health or other reasons, do not. In fact, we shall need a tribrid church, to include these two constituencies, plus those who, while not able to return physically, also find digital communications difficult (for example, through conference calls).

Even as we move to a Hi-Tech church, we shall therefore need to emphasise a Hi-Touch church: that is, alongside developing technological fixes, we need to care emotionally and physically for people. Small groups will be essential to this: Life Groups for the English-Speaking congregation and Breathe, Prayer and Bible Study meetings for the French-speaking congregation.

In addition, we shall need to prioritise pastoral care, especially among the elderly, the isolated, and the unwell. For this, we must use electronic communications as well as the phone; and deploying church members in pastoral care, who will also need supporting and training.

In particular, we must support our own children and teenagers, in regard to their faith development and participation in church life, as well as their mental health and socialisation. Furthermore, there will be needs in the local community, in meeting which the church can be an important contributor.

The will affect particularly the elderly, young people, and members of BAME communities, who have all suffered disproportionately during the pandemic. This also entails challenging the injustice affecting  especially, these BAME communities and women.

In some cases, this will require our church to enact programmes to meet these needs. In others, we shall have to cooperate with other organisations, both Christian and others, to partner in addressing social problems.

From 12^th April, we shall also begin renting out our building again, to groups serving the community. The latter should not simply be regarded as a means of raising much-needed money for the church, but a God-given opportunity to serve our immediate locality and our city as a whole.

It is essential however, that we do not lose the gospel focus of our mission, as it relates to the verbal proclamation of the Kingdom of God, and salvation in its fullness. Our Church Vision is John 10.10, and Jesus’ promise of abundant life. This includes the whole of life: elements of the present, and also our eternal destiny.

So, we shall endeavour to use creative means to spread the Good News, employing the arts and digital technology, to evangelise and to renew the state of our culture as such.  To accomplish this, we shall seek out fresh gospel outlets, to provide settings where people can encounter the message.

In addition, we shall release our members to use their spiritual gifts, in serving God and people, both practically and spiritually. This means a fresh emphasis, again on small groups for spiritual formation, as well as specific discipleship programmes and leadership development.

Equally important will be the teaching and preaching ministry of the church. Even as we encourage men and women to take up this calling, we must maintain a commitment to sound doctrine and Scriptural authority, as we frame the gospel in relevant ways for a culture that is moving away from Christian assumptions in many areas of life, especially in relationships and sexuality.

The challenges of the future are immense. But with God, we are more than conquerors. God’s kingdom will come on the earth. We look forward to the new heavens and new earth, which his word promises will come, with complete transformation, and which he invites us to join with him in bringing about.