Covid is over...

President Biden stated recently in an interview that the Covid Pandemic is over. Who knows whether he's right or not, but Fall 2022 does present some different dynamics when it comes to life "post-pandemic". So what has changed? What hasn't changed?

---

3 Things that have changed

1. Church Attendance

I've seen this one first hand. While many believed at some point the in person worship attendance would "reset" to pre-covid like numbers, it hasn't happened. There were expectations for Easter and Christmas, then back to school, then Easter again. And now, with the Fall of '22 in progress, it's pretty clear there is not reset button.

2. Emotional and Spiritual Reserves

As the stress causing elements of the pandemic begin to wane the reality of its cost is just beginning to be revealed. Many have, without noticing, been running on empty for some time. We collectively used up so much of our spiritual and emotional reserves during the pandemic that we find ourselves ill-equipped to face the next "regular" life challenge.

3. Nones and Dones

Maybe you've heard of these groups, maybe you haven't. They both grew in numbers over the pandemic. Nones are those who self identify as having no religious affiliation. Dones are affiliated with a particular religion, often Christianity, but they are choosing not to be affiliated with the organized structured of that faith. They are done with church!

3 Things that have not changed

1. The Gospel

The Gospel has not changed, ever. The good news of the gift of eternal life that is made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus through faith will never change. When good news is presented and it doesn't sound good to most, there's something wrong with the presentation.

2. The Mission of the Church

The mission of the church never changes, primarily because Jesus set it up with a very clear one and, as far as I know, He hasn't ever decided to change it. The first century church was established on the heals of Jesus followers responding with compassion and courage during the plagues of the 1st and 2nd centuries.

"weird angry people are not usually who we choose to hang out with."

There were opportunities for our communities of faith during the pandemic that were missed. The reputation I heard most often connected to Christians was weird or angry, and sometimes both. I don't need to tell you, weird angry people are not usually who we choose to hang out with.

3. Need to Equip Next Gen Leaders

This one may not be as directly connected with the pandemic as the others but it needs to be on someone's list! My only first hand perspective is the one that I am living through, but it sure seems like healthy transitions of leadership have become way more difficult (and scarce) in our day. Andy Stanley has often asked, "What is the faith of the next generation worth?" My answer is everything!