The President declared churches to be essential today. That declaration overrides the authority of any government official at any level to close the doors of churches during the pandemic. This is great news for Christians everywhere within the United States. It puts the decision into the hands of the local churches, denominations, and the leadership of those bodies.
The vast majority of churches obediently followed governmental mandates in keeping with Romans 13:1. Now that the doors may be opened, some churches must follow their governing authorities, while independent churches may decide for themselves. Each church body falls directly under the leadership of the senior pastor and his/her pastoral staff and team.
The brunt of the weight, responsibility, and planning falls on the senior pastor. Just imagine all the different voices in their ears advising them what should or should not be done. Pastors don’t need our opinions right now. They need love, prayer, and support. Lots and lots of it!
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) - “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”