Written by: INcontext
Article source: www.incontextinternational.org

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was closed this Easter, for the first time since 1349. For Christians around the world, Easter 2020 was celebrated under unusual circumstances – instead of mass celebrations, processions and pilgrimages, Christians gathered in their homes, some ventured to ‘drive-in’ services, while millions gathered ‘virtually’ online.

In Germany an online prayer gathering had an estimated 1 million attendees, while churches around the world have attested to a dramatic rise in ‘attendance’ of their online services – from double to eight times the size of their congregation. There are those who don’t normally visit a church building who are now “engaging and viewing” the online services. People are seeking answers and hope during this global crisis.

From a Christian perspective, the coronavirus pandemic has forced churches and believers to embrace technology like never before. But the rise in ‘attendees’ for on-line church services also testifies to the numerous people in society who are not part of congregations, but are willing to ‘attend’ an online service in search of answers and hope during these uncertain times.

We thank the Lord for the way He is using the coronavirus and technology to welcome people into His Kingdom, but the challenge for the Church will be to get these new followers out of the comfort of their living rooms and into the churches once the pandemic passes.

Pray with us for the following:

  • For the Church to use technology creatively while there are so many restrictions in place.
  • For wisdom for the Church as they endeavour to continue building relationships with new followers once the pandemic passes.
  • For new believers, that they will have a longing to become part of a congregation once the pandemic passes.

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Date published: 30/04/2020

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