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With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we\u2019re all learning about \u201csocial distancing.\u201d However, social distancing does not and should not mean social isolation.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, if we are creative, we can do authentic ministry from a distance<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s all practice spiritual connecting even while social distancing<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n Even this blog post is a result of<\/em> authentic ministry from a distance! My good friend and co-worker in biblical counseling, Pastor Paul Tautges, shared the following on his Facebook feed today:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis morning, a man from another church asked me if authentic ministry can actually take place if you are hindered from meeting with someone face to face. I told him that if it can\u2019t then the apostle Paul is in big trouble, and we wouldn\u2019t have the book of Colossians. \u2018For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face\u2019 (Col. 2:1).<\/strong> Our message remains the same, while sometimes our methods must remain flexible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Great insight from \u201ctwo Pauls\u201d: The Apostle Paul and Pastor Paul!<\/span><\/p>\n The preceding context in Colossians 1 shows the intensity of Paul\u2019s ministry from a distance. Paul (the Apostle, not Pastor Paul Tautges!) describes his gospel writing<\/em> ministry:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cChrist is the one we proclaim, admonishing\u00a0and teaching everyone with all wisdom,\u00a0so that we may present everyone fully mature\u00a0in Christ.\u00a0To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me\u201d (Col. 1:28-29).<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing aloof about Paul\u2019s writing-ministry-from-a-distance. It\u2019s intense, strenuous, powerful, personal, energized\u2014and Christ-dependent.<\/span><\/p>\n Paul\u2019s ministry from a distance with the Corinthians models the intimacy we can share even when physically separated. In his past face-to-face ministry and in his current writing ministry from a distance, Paul has communicated freely and opened wide his heart to them (2 Corinthians 6:11). Then he reminds them by letter:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.\u00a0As a fair exchange\u2014I speak as to my children\u2014open wide your hearts\u00a0also\u201d (2 Corinthians 6:12-13).<\/span><\/p>\n Think about that. Even in writing, even from a distance, Paul is not withholding affection from those he ministers to. And even from a distance, Paul lovingly and intimately confronts them: \u201cI speak as to my children\u2014open wide your hearts also.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For a good portion of Martin Luther\u2019s life he had to be in hiding, secluded, because of the fear of being arrested and even executed for his Reformation views. Even when Luther was not in seclusion, his far-ranging notoriety led to 1,000s of people from all over Europe seeking his comfort and counsel.<\/span><\/p>\n Rather than practicing social isolation, Luther practice spiritual connection. Luther penned over 3,000 letters of spiritual counsel. In those letters, Luther empathized, comforted, encouraged, confronted, and guided his far-flung flock.<\/span><\/p>\n Consider just one example (out of over 3,000). Ambrose Brendt had studied in Wittenberg and received his master\u2019s degree, and thus was well-known to Luther. Brendt\u2019s wife died in childbirth and her newborn son died with her. Luther writes to his friend, grieving with him, giving him permission to grieve, and offering encouragement to hope:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am not so inhumane that I cannot appreciate how deeply the death of Margaret distresses you. For the great and godly affliction which binds a husband to his wife is so strong that it cannot easily be shaken off, and this feeling of sorrow is not displeasing to God\u2026since it is an expression of what God has assuredly implanted in you. Nor would I account you a man, to say nothing of a good husband, if you could at once throw off your grief.[i]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Then, toward the end of his letter of spiritual consolation to Brendt, Luther adds this crucial reminder: \u201cComfort yourself with the Word of God, the pre-eminent consolation<\/em>.\u201d[ii]<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n What the Bible and Luther illustrate and model, I\u2019ve experienced for years. For years, I\u2019ve provided counseling supervision via Skype; I\u2019ve mentored pastors from around the world via Skype; I\u2019ve counseled 100s of people via Skype.<\/span><\/p>\n When people hear about my \u201cministry-via-Skype,\u201d they\u2019ll often ask, \u201cBut isn\u2019t it difficult to connect deeply from a distance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019ll respond every time, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Then I\u2019ll typically expand my thinking! I weep with people over Skype. I grieve with people over Skype. I explore scriptural hope together over Skype. I challenge and \u201ccare-front\u201d via Skype. I affirm God\u2019s work in people\u2019s lives over Skype.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you get over an \u201ctechno-phobias,\u201d there\u2019s no reason that Skype or Zoom or Go-To-Meeting or any other online means can\u2019t provide the platform for intense, intimate, intentional ministry from a distance.<\/span><\/p>\n Letter writing? Does anyone still do that? Letter writing is so powerful because it\u2019s so uncommon. Don\u2019t like letter writing? Can\u2019t do cursive? Send an email or a text. Connect to people with words\u2014like Paul and Luther did.<\/span><\/p>\n Our life group met Wednesday evening via Zoom. Did it take a few minutes to get used to? Of course. But after a bit, it became one of our more intense and intimate group meetings. I\u2019m sure some of that is because of the times we\u2019re living in. But much of that was because our two leaders (shout out to Lloyd and John) both modeled Paul-like and Luther-like ministry from a distance. We shared out hearts together, we read and studied Scriptures together, we had an extended time of prayer together\u2014from a distance.<\/span><\/p>\n When your church live-streams your Sunday service, join in. Sing at home. Pray when your pastor prays. Open your Bible (or Bible app). Take notes.<\/span><\/p>\n Facetime with your family members.<\/span><\/p>\n Mentor, supervise, counsel.<\/span><\/p>\n Share one-another ministry with a friend.<\/span><\/p>\n Send a private Facebook message of encouragement. Tweet a link to helpful resources. Post a Scripture verse. Ask for prayer. Ask people how you can be praying for them. Here\u2019s something I recently posted on my Facebook page:<\/span><\/p>\n How could I pray for you? During this time of social distancing, I don’t want us to be socially isolated. Are there ways I can be praying for you\u2014my Facebook friends? If so, feel free to Private Message me. Or, if you would like others to see your prayer request and be praying for you, feel free to post on this feed. I’ll start. Here’s one way you could be praying for Shirley and me\u2026 (I shared a current prayer request).<\/span><\/p>\n My parents are 90 and 89. Facetime scares them. But they LOVE phone calls.<\/span><\/p>\n People talk sometime about \u201clove languages.\u201d We should learn to adjust to other people\u2019s preferred communication language. As I mentioned above, Facetime with my Mom causes her stress trying to figure it all out. So, I adjust. Some people will never respond to an email, but they will jump on a text string in a split second. Be all things to all people that by all means you might minister to some.<\/span><\/p>\n The following additional suggestions come from a reader of RPM\u2019s Truth and Love <\/em>blog, Hannah Carr<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n A moderated group format is ideal so folks can daily post prayer requests, things that make them laugh, encouraging truths, needs, tips for schooling at home, etc. Jointly pick a book and have an online discussion. Publishers such as Crossway are allowing public readings of their materials so long as all the credits are given (such as author, illustrator, etc.). Contact each publisher for details.<\/span><\/p>\n Include questions to discuss and prayer prompts, match folks together to pray, and memorize Scripture together. Have folks share their testimony live.<\/span><\/p>\n No matter the age, anyone who lives alone can easily spiral from all of the anxiety and loneliness. Be proactive in engaging them and making sure they don\u2019t feel forgotten. Check in on them via phone, text, or video chat. Pray with them. As part of this, make a list of at-risk people. This can include anyone who lives alone, or someone who already struggles with loneliness, depression, or chronic illness. Make sure they are checked in with daily.<\/span><\/p>\n Those whose jobs are closed for the next 8-10 weeks (or lost) will soon face real financial hardships. From Acts 2 onward, the church has stepped up to meet financial needs.<\/span><\/p>\n If allowed depending on \u201cshelter-at-home\u201d regulations, see if those in low-risk categories can potentially provide childcare for those who must go into work when school or childcare is cancelled.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n What are additional practical ideas for practicing spiritual connection while practicing social distancing?<\/span><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>Quoted in Kellemen, Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life<\/em>, p. 69. Original source, Luther\u2019s Letters of Spiritual Counsel<\/em>, p. 62.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Bible and Authentic Ministry from a Distance<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Intensity <\/em>of Personal Presence\u2014Even When We Are Not Physically Present<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Intimacy<\/em> of Personal Presence\u2014Even When We Are Not Physically Present<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Martin Luther and Authentic Ministry from a Distance<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Intentionality <\/em>of Personal Presence\u2014Even When We Are Not Physically Present<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
My Experience with Authentic Ministry from a Distance<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
5 Practical Suggestions for <\/strong>Practicing Spiritual Connecting While Social Distancing<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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5 Ways to Pursue Community While Social Distancing<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Join the Conversation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n