Corporate Worship and a Global Pandemic - Ethan McConnell

            2020 was a different year for all of us. A previously unheard-of virus spread across the globe, killings thousands and functionally shutting down entire societies. For the church, the Covid-19 virus provided its own unique challenges. For many of our churches, an adequate response to the virus required an overhaul of the way we’ve always done things. Of course, this shift led to extensive online discussion about the ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’ of worship in the midst of pandemic. One of the most important questions to arise out of these discussions is the question of worship. More specifically, is online worship truly worship as defined by the Scriptures?

            Before I attempt to answer that question, I believe that we can make a few important distinctions that clarify this discussion. First, there is, I believe, an important distinction between public (or corporate) worship and private (or personal) worship. When we examine the Scriptures, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a distinction between these two forms of worship. Israel, under the tutelage of Moses, is taught who they are to worship (Yahweh) and how they are to worship (through sacrifice and song, at the tabernacle). Furthermore, they are warned against disobeying these commands. We know from the story of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10) just how serious these commands were. Israel, as a corporate body and as the image of the church (1 Cor. 10) were required to worship in a specific way, at a specific time, and at a specific location. Contrast this with the actions of many Old Testament saints. Job, in Job 1 tears his robes and worships the Lord. In 2 Samuel 24, David goes to prepare and sacrifice to the Lord in repentance and worship.  In Daniel 6, the author described how Daniel would bow down on his knees to pray and praise God three times a day. All of these examples demonstrate an important point – worship is not only corporate, but private.

            What then, is the difference between public and private worship? First, public worship is defined by the commands of Scripture. Specifically, public or corporate worship must contain the reading of the word of God, the preaching of the word of God, prayer by the people of God, and songs of praise directed towards God. These elements cannot be neglected. Private worship is not bound by these same elements. While it often contains some part of these corporate actions, it is not bound by them. On the contrary, working to the best of your ability for the glory of God is worshipful (Col. 3:23). Praying while you drive is worshipful (1 Thess. 5:17). Singing hymns while you take your evening walk is worshipful (Ps. 96:1). Unlike corporate worship, private worship is far more fluid in nature. The second difference between public and private worship is environment. While New Testament believers are no longer required to travel to the temple for worship, there are still requirements for their place of worship.  Specifically, the believer’s place of worship must be around fellow believers. The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near with a true heart… let us hold fast the confession of our hope… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:19-25). These words are further confirmed by the actions of the Apostles as they gathered with believers each Lord’s day. Together, these words and examples provide a strong argument for the necessity of gathering together in corporate worship.

            Whether you agree or disagree with this assessment, there are, I think, some potential rebuttals to this line of reasoning. The first is found in John 4. There, Jesus is speaking to the woman at the well when she says, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship” (4:19-20). Jesus responded to her, saying, “…the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (4:23-24). This exchange raises a number of questions. What did Jesus mean when he said that true worshipers will worship in Spirit and in truth? On the one hand, it could be argued that Jesus is removing the restrictions of worship. Are believers still required to worship in a specific place and in a specific way? Are all forms of worship now true corporate worship so long as they are done in Spirit and in truth?

            The second possible rebuttal is a practical one. For many churches, technology has been an incredible blessing in this time of crisis. Not only can people stay home away from potential infection, they can do so while still observing all the formal acts of corporate worship via the internet and livestream. Surely we ought to love one another by removing the risk of spreading a potentially deadly virus? After all, we can basically “have church” from our living room.

Certainly, these are important questions. How can we effectively love our brothers and sisters while still obeying the commands of Scripture? I think, however, the answer to these questions becomes clear when you simply change the scenario slightly. If there is not a global pandemic, is “online church” the same as in-person, congregational worship? Of course the answer is no; and since the answer is no, then we must also assume that in the midst of the virus, “online worship” is not the same as in-person worship. Most assuredly, Jesus’ words do not remove the requirement of corporate worship.

How should we respond? First, we must seek numerous and varied opportunities for corporate gatherings. While the pandemic makes this tricky, it does not negate the necessity of it. Second, we must gently push our congregations to return to a normal practice of corporate worship. For many, the pandemic has formed new habits that will not be easily broken. That fight must begin now, however slowly it may go. Finally, we must love one another in this process. Not every church is the same. This process may look drastically different from church to church. Nevertheless, we ought to come alongside our fellow churches as we encourage a return to corporate worship.