Introduction

Everyone knows the importance of assembling with the local congregation. We do it not only to edify ourselves but also to edify one another with our presence.

When illness or other obstacles stand in our way, it’s always best to stay away to prevent the spread of illness or other problems. But when a “so-called” illness becomes an excuse to not assemble, then sin lies in the wings.

The Church and the Pandemic

The COVID-19 virus was an interesting pandemic to say the least. Going global, it held the planet in its grasp for an extended number of months. Local governments shut down a lot of businesses to prevent the spread of the illness and encouraged people to “shelter-in-place” during this crisis.

I’m not here to give you the data of the effects of the virus as far as deaths and other results but rather to show the effect regarding the church. Depending on where you live in the United States, some governments not only shut down businesses but also congregations.

Most of those congregations did as they were told without batting an eyelash. Our local congregation, here in Mesa, AZ, chose to stay open and continue to assemble as we do weekly. We didn’t threaten people to show up, but it was entirely an option. We even had some who wore masks during the service which is also acceptable.

We did, however, have a plan in place should the local authorities attempt to ban us from meeting together. Our first plan was to meet in the parking lot and the extent of the service would be short like a Midweek bible study worship period. Our second plan would be to assemble at somebody’s home in secret.

Overall, we would continue to assemble regardless of what the government said. As the apostle Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) This should have been the decision of every congregation out there. Illness is one thing; the government’s agenda is another. Who were you putting first?

When you Come Together

To keep those who decided to shelter-in-place updated on what was happening, some congregations broadcast their services on social media platforms. This was considered a virtual assembly. Singing was done, prayers were offered, and a lesson was preached.

However, some got the clever idea that they could partake of the Lord’s Supper while they sat at home. I don’t read that in the scriptures. What I do read, is what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. In Chapter 11 and verse 18, For first of all, when you come together as a church… Then, again, in verse 20, Therefore when you come together in one place…

Those who watch virtually would state that, according to verse 18 they were coming together as a church. However, they weren’t following verse 20. They might disagree as they were all logged into the church’s website but is that really coming together in one place?

Here’s the definition of the word Virtual: Digital Technology. real, but existing, seen, or happening online or on a digital screen, rather than in person or in the physical world. In other words, if you aren’t physically there in the church building, then you aren’t assembling with the brethren.

Commentary on this subject, concerning 1 Cor. 11:20, states, it was, therefore, a congregational observance and not a private act of worship. Again, people might defend the fact that they were taking it together but there is no proof of this given that not everyone cannot observe one another taking it. Even if it were possible to see everyone, you’re still not together in the same building.

Conclusion

As the write of Hebrews stated, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

It is your choice whether or not you assemble with the local congregation during such a pandemic. It is not your choice, nor your authority, to decide to take part in the Lord’s Supper at home, in your car, or any other place you deem necessary.

The decision to assemble with your brethren, in person, should be placed above any act of worship. It is then, and only then, that we can edify one another.