To Gather or Not?

Deciding IF we should gather as a congregation during a weather-related incident or prediction can be worrisome for many churches and pastors. This entry is a journal of sorts helping to tell the story of how many come to the decision to cancel. 

Weather predictions in the winter are usually what begins the process of cancelation decision. How much snow will there be? What are the road conditions? How much of a threat will the decision mean?

These are a few of the questions many ask!

Can people decide on their own if they should travel to attend church events? Of course they can! People are free to consider their travel arrangements. The predictions for snow or other issues are not the concern of cancellation procedures. We let the weather reported, traffic cams, local first responders, and emergency management officials help gage this personal decision. At your own risk is the common expression.

However, deciding whether or not someone should travel to your event or church service is a little more complicated. These are the concerns and process of deciding IF we should cancel. 

Consider any positive opportunities and being upbeat about your decision to cancel. Give grace to one another when having to make a decision to cancel services. 

1. Timing of the storm. When will the storm like snowfall total and related conditions help gage decision?

2. Those responsible for decision have to decide volunteering staff needs. Should we ask workers to take risks that they otherwise would not take?

3. Should we ask attendees to take unnecessary risks? The loyalty and support of people does make a difference. People will take the risk of travel out of their love for their church! 

4. What are the trade-offs? We don’t ever make decisions to cancel based on the profit and loss factors. No offerings will be taken except for those doing online giving. No public worship gatherings are worth risking to attend. No activity should ever be based on attendance records or reporting pressures. Organization are often having to explain their decision as if to give rationale for  not meeting.

Many pastors and leaders plan their worship like an event. Other programs like classes and activities are scheduled. Some simply skip the plan and move on but the work to plan means that some will miss out on what was expected. 

Be positive in your concern for others and considerations that must be decided! 

In short, you cannot simply repeat the plan the following week. 

Now, what does the Bible have to say about this issue? 

“Don’t forsake the assembly of believers….” Hebrews 10:25.

“… Call in the elders to pray and anoint…” James 5:14.

The church is special, sacred, and serving. Whenever the body of Christ gathers together, ministry happens. When the church is mobilized, the work of the church is effective. 

Ultimately, the church is made up of people who love Christ and others. Whether gathered physically or in our homes as individuals, the church is still active. 

Church families SHOULD gather for personal worship and reading of the Word. Church people SHOULD make every effort to check in with others and care for the needs of their family and neighbor. Likely, in a snowstorm our neighbors are defined by proximity and those who live nearby when helping and serving! Of course, we can call or text others to listen and find ways to be helpful. 

Pastors and church leaders SHOULD recognize that personal faith is not totally dependent on their activities. People are personally responsible for their faith walk and witness work. We are not to look to our church leaders and pastors as superheroes. They cannot do faith for you! 

Deciding to cancel church means being concerned for others. It is also important to give instructions for the church people to see that they are sent out to serve others! 

So here are my final considerations.

1. Pastors, send out a message asking people to check in with loved ones. It won’t hurt to make a few phone calls of your own.

2. Leaders, text and reach out to people through technology to listen and learn how we can best serve others. People will be hone so take time to ask key questions of others to better serve their needs and most especially how we should pray for them.

3. Church people SHOULD take responsibility for their family! Everyone should use the time being home to gather for prayer, personal growth in Christ, and don’t feel guilty if you need to rest. The Sabbath means resting! 

Stay active on social media! Realize the people have a little more time to scan their media feeds. Your message could have the potential of being read. 

Sent a few text message but also, message people over social media as well as posting fun-loving memes or even spiritual insights!