May InterSections – Focus & growth Post-COVID

At the time of writing, the Victorian state government has relaxed COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings, allowing congregations of any size to meet together in-person.  As a result, several of the churches in Melbourne have been able to resume gathering on the Lord’s Day.  But the Southeast congregation, where I and my family are, has so far been unable to find a venue to meet.

While we’ve tried to get together in smaller home groups, it’s been difficult to ward off discouragement in our extended Zoom era. This situation made me a little glum as I approached the editing of this issue of InterSections on COVID-19 and the church. Thankfully, the authors of the articles have been anything but – they’re overwhelmingly positive about both the challenges and opportunities that will face us in the months and years ahead.

Mark Jennings writes the Feature article, highlighting the steadfastness of rejoicing, prayer, and thankfulness that should distinguish the Christian in good times and bad. David Carr looks to Christ’s example of healing and helping the sin-sick and hurting for a roadmap to post-COVID evangelism. In our International Letter Adam Barr of Cumbernauld, Scotland, gives an infectiously enthusiastic account of the spiritual growth experienced by his home congregation during lockdown. And in our ChurchScope, Rosie Atchley reports on the journey of re-establishing an eldership in the Otumoetai congregation in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Mandy Minder reviews Thom Rainer’s book, The Post-Quarantine Church, highlighting the opportunities this moment affords us to reset and refocus on what’s truly important. In our Interview, Daniel Smith and I share a conversation about live-streamed church and building resilient faith for the long term. Finally, we hear News from the newly formed Young Christians Network and a recent camp held at Lake Nillahcootie, Victoria. May the faith and optimism of these brothers and sisters lift your spirits as they have mine.

Dale Christensen
(At the invitation of the Editorial Team, Dale is guest editor for this issue of InterSections.) 

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