One of the foundational principles of the U.S. government is the separation of church and state. The recent spread of a lethal virus has brought this concept into conflict. The debate over whether or not to allow gatherings in a church setting has blurred the lines between religious freedom, politics, and public health. All sides have legitimate concerns. All sides seem to have also neglected to apply logic and common sense.

From the news reports across the country, it appears that many in the role of church leadership have mistaken mass gatherings as a prerequisite for worship. Even more confusing is the extreme view that a building or structure is the “church.” What seems to be lost is the reality that a “church” is a community of believers – not a place.

^{Matthew  18:20  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”}

If we step back from our narrow view and recognize the planet earth as the place where believers congregate, we might begin to comprehend that we don’t need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to worship. We don’t need to defy civil authorities to practice our faith. We don’t need to ignore health professionals to pray to our God.

We don’t need to put others at risk to prove a point, or to demonstrate our dedication.

We need to remember that among God’s gifts to the human race is the intellectual capacity to exercise sound judgment. Also among His gifts is the ability to learn the science of His universe and use that knowledge to help each other.

Our church buildings may sit empty for a period, but perhaps it will allow us to contemplate and re-discover the true meaning of a “church.”

At any given moment, across the globe, millions may be engaged in prayer. Millions are gathered in Jesus’ name in the place of worship we call earth. The inability to gather in a particular place, in a particular structure, does not diminish the power of the community of believers.

^{Matthew  18:20  “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”}

That is the true meaning of a church.