Covid-19

Good Morning and Welcome to this week’s Gospel and Culture update, by Alan Vink

Monday 23rd March 2020

COVID-19

The last seven days would have to be THE most dramatic week I have ever experienced in my 66 years of life as far as world events are concerned. It feels like the world is changing before our very eyes. In fact some commentators would say it is changing and may never be the same again. WOW!

On a positive note it has been fabulous to see local churches leap into action with a primary goal to stay connected and look after each other when we must be physically apart. There is no doubt that we will see and hear about many creative and courageous innovations in ministry and outreach. As many others have also said, this could be the Churches (Big C Church) golden hour. From the quick read of history I did last week it certainly has been true historically at times similar to this.

Not so positive are the churches who have defied the Government’s call to limit meeting size to 100 and for physical distancing. But fortunately there aren’t to many and my guess is they will fall into line pretty quickly because the Government requirements are likely to be enforced.

Of greater concern, for me at least, is what I read and hear being said by some Christian leaders and prophetic ministries. And just for the record I believe in prophecy. Some of the utterances are completely unhinged from science, public health and the current reality we are living in and therefore deeply troubling and potentially very harmful.

I and many of my charismatic and Pentecostal Pastor friends are urging for great care here and great discernment. More to say about this down the track.

There are TWO Scientists that I would highly recommend. Both are worth listening to and reading everything they are currently saying and writing. They are Dr Siouxsie Wiles and Dr Michelle Dickinson (otherwise known as the ‘Nanogirl’).

Both have very strong micro-biology backgrounds - award winning in fact in both cases. Dr Siouxsie Wiles and Dr Michelle Dickinson

Then there are a number of Public Health experts along with GP’s and other Health Specialists that attend a local church and are giving really good advice to Pastors and members alike.

Here are three Resources that you might find helpful.

1. An Article by Dr Siouxsie titled, “The World is on Fire’: My Message to New Zealanders on COVID-19"
2. Dr Michelle Dickinson’s short video’s that explain COVID-19 to children but very instructive for adults as well.
3. A Missio Alliance workshop last week with two Science and Health Experts from USA and an example of a 350 member church in Edmonds, Washington doing some really cool stuff.

My task this week is to write several short(ish) Devotions that will give a biblical response to fear, anxiety, despair, God’s providence, God’s Sovereignty, healing, community and discernment. They will NOT be copy righted meaning you can take what I have written, make any changes you want and make it your own. If you would like a copy sent directly to your inbox please let me know by hitting reply.

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.