Amidst this new pandemic-induced physical distancing, church leaders have been thrust into a foreign, unsettling paradigm of ministry: from afar, while longing to interact in person.
Does anyone in Scripture come to mind that frequently found themselves in such a situation: physically isolated from a group of people that they longed to again enjoy their presence?
It’s the Apostle Paul, who can serve as a great model of ministry for us, in both this age and environment.
In this current age of Redemption, where believers are not united at last, as we will experience in the age of Restoration in the new heaven and earth. [Four Acts in Biblical History: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration]
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (Rev. 21:3)
And in this current environment of pandemic sheltering in place. For the Paul did most of his enduring and recognized ministry from afar. His epistles include names of both people he knew and those he hadn’t yet met. And he also speaks often of longing to be physically present.
Take a look at her letter to the church in Thessalonica, as an example.
Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians
1 Thess. 2:17-20 – 17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
So, how did Paul continue to do ministry, from a distance?
Answer: He was a good steward of the tools at this disposal.
– Leveraged Correspondence – hand-written/hand-delivered letters
I’m writing to you because I can’t come…
– Activated Community – enlisted others to provide care
I’m sending…
– Utilized Prayer – motivated for their growth
Night and day I pray for you…
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
1 Thess. 3:6-13 – 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
KEY POINTS:
Follow the example of Paul by:
– Leveraging technology for correspondence/conference calls etc.
– Activating community to ensure people are cared for
– Praying for the day we will be together, but in the meantime praying for continued growth
And perhaps our Sovereign Lord will use this current predicament, to “make our love increase and overflow for each other and strengthen our hearts so that we will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
