Local churches face the challenges head-on
"Initially it was strange, but it has been good in a way where we could reach more people than we could have before.
HIGHVELD – “This has been some interesting times,” were the words of Past Wiehan Brown.
He explained to the Ridge Times how his church and congregation have been adapting to the new ‘norm’ when concerning social distance, crowd capacity and making use of the virtual world.
Past Brown spoke on behalf of Shofar Church and its congregation about their struggles and methods.
“Initially it was strange, but it has been good in a way where we could reach more people than we could have before.
“In this age, many people have their own reasons for not attending church.
“Now the messages of God and the gospel is even more readily available on more platforms than before and can reach more people now than before.
“People are able to sit in the comfort of their own homes and watch church.”
He said it was challenging in the beginning for all involved – from the office when it came to setting up of cameras, sound equipment, internet, assisting those who did not have access or data and all it took to bring Sunday services across to the congregation.
“Most adapted and took quite well to the new idea and the experience.”
However, there were those who disengaged and experienced depression and longed for the actual experience of being in a church.
“We were created by God to be around others, some missed that interaction.
“There is a tendency for congregations to disengage.
“The biggest challenges for me as pastor is to keep my assumptions as positive when I see there are not many people engaging.
“I have to assume there is a valid reason why the congregation is not attending.
“We are allowed to go out and do counselling sessions and recommend any persons who are having difficult times to reach out to your pastor or those in your congregation. This is also a good time to reach out to others.”
With the minimum capacity of 50 persons in their place of worship, Past Brown, band members and those who need to be on the podium, must focus on the congregation in front of them while still having to live stream to congregation who are unable to attend.
To go to church on Sundays, one must register in order to meet the crowd capacity.
Not only in the preaching side, but other sessions and events such as counselling, baptising and dedications, weddings, youth groups, Bible study, funerals and more have taken a bigger and broader step into one’s personal capacity through the virtual world such as live streaming, using apps such as Zoom or social media platforms to share occasions or content.
On a whole other note, Covid-19 had seen Shofar church, among many other churches, see good, positive and great works of God being done by people from not only his congregation but from all walks of life.
“The Bible says don’t be surprised when trials and tribulations come. It is not unique to you as an individual but everybody is experiencing the same things.
“We all are going through tough times, but at least it is together. Reach out because you are not alone.
“We don’t have to struggle alone. We can struggle together.
“People need to practice their giving muscle, but also have to practice their asking muscle. In this time and culture we live in, it is okay to ask for help,” ended Past Brown.
