Adaptation President's Perspective


by Kevin Stone, President We are living in strangely different times.


We’ve been doing things none of us had heard of before, like “social distancing” and “flat- tening the curve.” Apparently, some people around us just learned that washing your


hands is a thing — and the appreciation of toilet paper has never been higher! But seriously, we are facing death, fear, isolation and financial concern in ways that our modern society is not accus- tomed to. In the midst of our relatively quiet, comfortable lives here in North America, everything changed. It changed suddenly and without warning. We didn’t see this coming. Perhaps we wouldn’t have even thought it possible.


Tere are reminders in this story. We’re reminded that this


world is broken, fallen, ruined by sin. It is a temporary, substitute home that we inhabit for a short time. We are reminded of the greatness of our God and our relative insignificance. I don’t mean that you and I are insignificant in God’s eyes — we are treasured. I mean that compared to God’s all-encompassing power, our power is nothing. No matter how many centuries we spend de- veloping and applying scientific data, there will always be natural phenomena and disease that we cannot contain or control.


We are also reminded that the church is not a building. Our


buildings are closed, but the church is still the church. Families are being ministered to in amazing (sometimes new) ways. We are maintaining our connection with one another online or on the phone. Our pastors are sharing God’s Word with us through live streaming or recorded sermons. Small groups are gathering via videoconference. Kids have access to Bible stories and activities online. Folks are ministering to others who have need. Te church is being the church.


I am grateful to our pastors, youth leaders, worship leaders,


children’s workers, small group leaders, technical “experts,” elders and others who have adapted their ministries to reach people no matter what the obstacle. Tese men and women have found creative ways to bless their congregations. Tey have spent hours behind the scenes discussing options, working out technical


details, learning new methods and putting together content. Consider taking a moment to thank your leaders.


As always, we want to help. Here at the FEBC office, we’ve


been working to connect leaders with resources that will help navigate these uncharted waters. We can do this through our own experience, knowledge and research, or by connecting you with another church that has been through what you’re dealing with. Don’t hesitate to contact us when you need a hand.


As with our churches, the leaders of our Fellowship are


working to find new ways to minister and to continue the important task of serving and connecting our churches. For instance, this issue of the Fellowship Focus would normally contain detailed information about Connect20. However, at the time of this writing, it seems we may not be able to meet this year. Restrictions on travel and assembling in groups would make it impossible today. A final decision on this event will be made soon. If we cancel, we plan to hold the Annual General Meeting electronically this year, and the other details we have planned for Connect20 will be pushed back to Connect21.


In that event, your church leaders would receive detailed


information about the path forward. You can find more informa- tion about this potential process and some of the items that we would be voting on in a separate article on page 12.


As I have shared in other forums, we believers have unique


responsibilities and opportunities during this time of crisis. We must exhibit love and faith to the frightened people around us. We must continue to support our local church even though we are not meeting. For a more thorough discussion about these topics, check out my letter “Toughts about our response to COVID-19” which can be found on our home page: www.fellow- shipforward.org.


As I began, we are living in strangely different times. Tese


are times in which our activities are limited, but they are also times when we can have an amazing impact as we demonstrate faith, hope and love. Let’s continue to be the church!


YOU’RE NOT ALONE! If your ministry needs some ideas about how to connect during unusual times, contact the FEBC office for help (info@febcminstries.org).


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