Little Hills "Launches"

“He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” — Acts 28:30-31 (ESV)

It was not anything like the circumstance I had imagined for so long, but Little Hills Church had its very first message last night. Not in the midst of a celebratory launch service with joyful music and a packed crowd, but with me sitting in front of my desk facing a camera.

Live streaming is a very different thing from public worship, but I find myself grateful as I watch churches and individuals all across the nation using the technology we have at our disposal today to encourage a hurting world with hope from God’s Word. Like the roads of an oppressive empire two thousand years ago that, in spite of that empire, served to convey the Gospel, I believe we are watching the Gospel go unhindered in new ways in the midst of the oppression of an invisible little virus.

It was not what I expected in the midst of planning a church plant, but I’m grateful for the capability to join with others in using these “technological roads” to turn our focus to the One who is in control. We don’t “do church” so we can have those perfectly planned launches and perfectly polished presentations. We function as the church, the gathering of the spiritually sick in need of healing that only God provides, because we are called to help others who need that healing too.

Helping others in a time of “social distancing” is so challenging, but any way we can use technology to share hope seems to be a good use of the isolation.

I found my study of Psalm 57 in preparation for that live stream “launch” so encouraging in this weird season. If you listened last night or you give it a listen in the archive, I hope it encourages you, too. I will be live streaming again next Monday at 7 pm. I’d invite you to join me and to share the series with others if you think this simple little effort might somehow be an encouragement to you or others in this time.

I am praying for all of the churches and individuals seeking other such roads for ministry in this weird time. What sorts of technological roads can we start exploring during this crisis? If you see God using people to do interesting things through technology in this time, please share what you see below.