Coronavirus: a prophetic perspective

Setting yourself up to share a prophetic perspective on anything is, perhaps in any climate; setting yourself up for a potentially interesting response. In this climate it feels frankly dangerous. But, guess what? When it feels dangerous to do so is when it’s most important to share God’s heart.

We’ve written already the back-story of Coming Home, of how we spent a year dreaming and imagining with God. And, at the end of it, with much weighing, came to the conclusion that God’s next big move (or one of them) was to restore and revive families and to see church and discipleship run deep around the dining room table. Cue the complete upheaval of all of our lives, a huge move to the country and eighteen months of solid spiritual battle as we fought to claim what God asked us to fight for. Namely: a reinstating of worship, healing and health to families and a transformation of homes to become places of miracles, of supernatural kindness, love and grace.

“God’s next big move (or one of them) was to restore and revive families and to see church and discipleship run deep around the dining room table.”

However, when we dreamt of a revival of family and home, and playing our part in it, we have to admit we didn’t see this virus and lockdown coming. We knew God wanted to reposition ‘home’ in many hearts but an actual lockdown and millions of families being forced to spend endless time together? It’s a little more literal than we had guessed!

Let me be clear; I’m not saying that this virus is of God or from God. Nor that He’s rejoicing in people’s current hardship. I do however believe this time is rich with purpose and that God is using this global pause to reset and refresh a few things.

I wrote not long ago on the importance and responsibility of us, as the church, to not worry. Not ever. Equally important is for us is to be recklessly generous and full of compassion and in times like this that becomes sharply necessary as people face financial, family and health crises. Let us be the people who share the most, who listen the best, who love the hardest as our communities face unprecedented challenge.

“I do however believe this time is rich with purpose and that God is using this global pause to reset and refresh a few things.”

Before we just knuckle down, focus on surviving the coming months and put all of our drive into carrying our community and church through this though, my sense from God is that there is a Noah call to this time. This is a Kairos time. This is the time for a purposeful resetting of some of our rhythms, habits and structures.

Imagine if you were already in the habit of regularly worshipping, praying and fasting with those you actually live with? Wouldn’t that make a world of difference right now?

Imagine if you were already in deep community with your neighbours and already shared your rice, pasta, eggs and more?

Imagine if you lived closer to those you were in church with, close enough to catch up over the garden fence?

While I applaud churches quickly adapting to life in the current climate and braving Facebook Live (and have greatly enjoyed joining several livestreams this past weekend) I wonder whether there’s more to be adapted than just our skill with technology. Is it to be celebrated that people are still tuning in to worship and learn together on a Sunday morning? Yes. Absolutely yes. But should this virus-induced pause also make us rethink how we meet, live and work as church? Yes. Absolutely yes.

I love big meetings. I do. Just the other night I was whinging because my family wanted to do some sung worship just the five of us and I really struggle to worship in a small group. I love teaching to a big group, not only is it a great confidence booster, it also sets such a big stage for the Holy Spirit to work. I love so much about big meetings. But mostly what I love about church is seeing God radically transform lives, and guess what? I think that’s easiest seen around the dinner table.

Yes; love, tune in and support Sunday services but I urge you to think about the church that’s happening in your home too . The opportunity for discipleship with your children, siblings and spouse. The opportunity to study together, to read the Bible aloud, to break bread and to draw, sing and create with each other. “Church” should spill over and out into every inch of our lives and my hope, and my suspicion, is that part of the purpose of this time is for us to rediscover that.