A note from the desk of Pastor Steven Henry: (Pastor Henry is the pastor of our sending church)
Yesterday (Thursday, April 30th) our State experienced another political upheaval. It feels like we are on a never-ending roller coaster of uncertainty created by ill-advised orders and edicts, with suspect facts and science and experts behind it, motivated by seemingly nefarious motives and aspirations.
During this time, I have been and will continue, to be very careful to lead this flock in a manner that I believe fulfills my responsibility to the Scriptures in obeying God first, obeying those in authority, submitting to God as the ultimate authority in faith and practice, all while doing our best to live peaceably with all men. To say the least, this a daunting task for all of us. In doing this as your pastor, I have been very guarded and careful in offering or sharing personal opinion/assessment regarding our current governmental leadership; I have personally attempted to adhere to Christ’s instruction to His disciples as they lived in the tumultuous land of Israel under Roman rule in that day—“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Mark 10:16)
It has not been a stance without criticism. As I am sure you all have experienced and heard, there are many opinions out there, even many Christians with opposing viewpoints, and all seem to have a myriad of Scriptural references, and passionate conviction, to support their stance—it would be good for us all to remember, the ability to agree to disagree in a Christ-honoring manner should be the characteristic of every believer.
This Nation is a Republic
In the midst of the many opinions, I believe it is time for me, as your pastor, to simply delineate where I stand, and subsequently, how I am leading this ministry presently, and in the days ahead. First, pulling out some of my resources from my years of teaching U.S. History, let’s be reminded that this nation is a republic, erected by a group of men and women desiring to throw off the terrible chains of tyranny. Furthermore, they perceived a need, both the religious and nonreligious members of their assembly, to erect parameters around the governmental powers that would soon be established on this beautiful land to ensure that this government, including any government of this land, not tread on the rights to practice religion and worship God as the Bible dictates. These were two of the major premises of our founding fathers, regardless of what history-re-constructionists would have us believe. Furthermore, it is crucial for us to know what a republic is; a simple googled definition that is in keeping with the basic idea is this: “republic-a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.” It is a bit simplified, but it is a working definition. Let’s follow this chain of authority if we will.
Supreme Power?
By definition, the people are the “supreme power,” choosing to quantify and qualify that power through the acceptance of a Constitution and a Bill of Rights nationally, and then state by state. They then choose to bequeath the expression of their power in representatives in EVERY branch of government—judicial, executive, and legislative. Whether it be a house representative or a senator on the national or state level, whether it be a federal judge or a state judge, and whether it be a president or governor, all are chosen by the people (some by extension through those already elected) and are working for the people, who ultimately have the supreme authority, by definition. One of the best attributes of the republic established by our terrific founding fathers was the inherent checks and balances put in place through the necessary interaction of the three branches of government, thereby prevention of one branch ruling the whole land was attempted and achieved, at least, in their day. I would submit to you, that in the past decades, and especially in the past few years, we have witnessed an unparalleled struggle between the branches of government on every level for “the keys to the kingdom,” if you will. This present situation is the poster-child for this power struggle that has led our nation far from the moors of the Constitution and the truest intent of the principles this republic was established upon.
As an American, it is a sad day in which our nation has forgotten its roots and past, with the worst part being, many Americans simply don’t care or would rather embrace a self-serving form of government that historically has proven to be a complete and utter failure which leads to the cessation of personal rights and freedoms, including religious freedoms (socialism). This is the backdrop for the present time in which we as Christians are guiding ourselves, our families, our ministries in the uncharted waters of an overblown, yet real, health situation.
Rogue Government
As of today, we have two equal, opposing authorities within our state government butting heads, and producing conflicting and contradicting messages to the populace of Michigan. I believe—here is my personal opinion derived from the assessment of actions and statements offered over the past month—we have a rogue governor unwilling to fulfill her mandated responsibility to work with and accept the appropriate checks and balances offered by our legislative body. THAT is in direct opposition to the governing laws of this state, and more importantly, this nation; THAT is not how a republic works.
As with many governmental actions, there is no doubt that some action was warranted, that some orders were necessary for the health of the people and the protection of the most vulnerable. But that ship has sailed, we have gone well past what is warranted in this situation and what is constitutionally permissible. During the early onset of this situation (please notice that I am not using the terminology of “pandemic;” the citizens of America who truly endured a pandemic in 1918 would truly laugh at this present situation being called “a pandemic” in light of the true and accurate fallout of COVID-19; to compare the two as many have, is to compare apples and oranges), we, for sake of conscience and testimony along with the concern for the health of one another, adhered to the questionable closures and edicts of the extraordinary and unprecedented executive orders that affected us individually and corporately as a church. I believe that action on our part was right and good. But do not be mistaken—this was courtesy compliance in light of the fact that little was known as far as the threat and impact of COVID-19, and in the best interest of testimony among the members of our community.
Who has the right to shut down the church?
Constitutionally, no government in these United States has the legal right to ban or restrict the “free exercise of religious worship” or “the right of the people peaceably to assemble” as established in the 1st Amendment. These are our rights as Americans. However, as Americans, and especially as Christians, we know there are times when our rights should take a backseat to testimony, prudence, and concern for others. This is a real threat, especially to those who are at high risk—nothing I have written should be misconstrued to take away from the reality that COVID-19 is real, that people are dying, and there are those in our church and our community who are at much higher risk than others; precautions, due diligence, and proper concern for others are in order, and I believe, we have operated in accordance with this statement and will continue to do so. This is the balanced approach that I believe is taught and encouraged throughout the New Testament. This is what we have striven for throughout the present situation in keeping our doors open, but encouraging the use of live-streaming as a means of gathering and worshiping as conscience dictated. We have not, nor will we ever, turn anyone away from the doors of FBC during regular service times who legitimately and sincerely have come to worship God, to exercise their religion and relationship with God, to fulfill the commands of Scripture regarding worship and assembling.
A crossroads of liberty and tyranny
Furthermore, we stand at a crossroads as the executive branch and the legislative branch of Michigan have issued two completely different laws/orders. To me, and for the purpose of directing this ministry, it is apparent that what the Michigan legislature has established in the laws voted and passed this week is the most prudent, most constitutionally compliant law/order of our state. Based upon that belief and conviction, I believe, in my humble opinion, that if you choose to go back to work, you are right in doing so. If you choose to come back and worship with us, being physically present, you are right to do so (to be clear—I believe this was true during the entirety of this situation). If you choose to embrace the new normal in leaving your home, you are right to do so. If you choose to stay home, you are right to do so.
Understand, you are responsible for your own health and safety, and crucially, should listen to both the Holy Spirit and your own conscience that is to be informed by the Word of God and His Spirit. You have a right to provide for your family. You have a right to earn a living. You have a right to do what is necessary to live. You have a right to stay home. Is there a risk? Most certainly. There is risk in every choice you make. But I would gladly stand by your decision and choice, whatever that may be. Remember, the framers of the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence recognized the supremacy of the unalienable, God-given rights that I just mentioned. It is prudent at defining moments such as this for the men of God, the pastors behind the pulpits to reaffirm this truth, and for the people of God to not get blinded or distracted by the sin-stained, fallen-nature impacted philosophies, teachings, and worldview of this present world. Never has it been more comforting or more uplifting to think and believe, “This world is not my home I’m just a passing through, My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore!”
The Bottom Line
What is the bottom line, the conclusion of this pastor’s ramblings? First, FBC’s doors are open, as they have been throughout this situation. You are welcome to worship here with us or via live-streaming, as the Holy Spirit and your conscience dictate.
Secondly, we will work towards getting every ministry (S.S., nursery, choir, etc.) of FBC back up and running in the subsequent days and weeks, but it will be a process. This coming Sunday (5/3/20), will be conducted as the previous ones have been conducted—no nurseries, no individual S.S. classes, etc.
Thirdly, the recommendations of the CDC regarding social-distancing and protective gear will be followed as much as is reasonably possible when we gather here at FBC. They are good precautions, and if you so choose, feel free to follow them while you are here; it is okay to not shake hands and to stay 6 feet apart.
Fourthly, let’s rejoice in the reality that one day, we will have but one Leader, one Authority, one King, Jesus Christ our Savior!! To Him be the glory forever and ever, amen!