We’re finding ourselves these days with a new normal lifestyle.  It has caused me to think about the fact that this season of many of our lives is going to be a once in a lifetime defining line in the course of world history, i.e., before COVID – 19 and after COVID – 19. It has also caused me to think about the fact that we all long for normality. The question then becomes, “What will be the new normal?” upon return to life as we once knew it.

I think a new normal can be very positive because this time has created new means and methods of doing things.

One of my main questions, working and living within the local church world, is will we return to our church buildings as we once knew them? Perhaps in some arenas that is a literal question, but I guess I am considering it in a more rhetorical sense as well. I mean, will it be church business as usual?

In talking with a missionary friend who serves in a European nation recently, he told me it was illegal to homeschool his children in this country and there were very few Christian school options. And then he said this, “Right now, during this world crisis, we are required by that same government to homeschool!” What an almost humorous, 180-degree change of government control and new normal.

Will our coveted church buildings hold their same attraction? Will the megachurch maintain small connect groups for prayer, fellowship and study? Will the local church that never used technology or was perhaps anti-technology for conducting meetings reverse that strategy? Could there be numerous changes to those in-house church programs that we held onto so tightly for so long? And will the tech savvy next generation be given the reins from the older generation leaders so these new means and methods can be further developed in an effort to keep the local church relevant and up to date for generations to come?

If we can learn from this time, I think the church will grow exponentially. If we can apply technology in a Holy Spirit centered way, then we will see new forms of evangelism, caring for the shut-in, counseling, training and even in holding elder meetings, all of which will not require travel.

So let’s be thankful for this season, embracing new ways of completing important tasks and brand-new ideas, being creative and honoring one another’s gifts all at the same time.