By Rev. Daniel Yaw

Introduction
There is much to be said of the church today.  In fact the church today has been evolving and with the pandemic of covid -19, the church has been pushed to mean different things to different people.

As we all understand, the church (ekklesia), simply means an assembly that is called out of the world to stand out differently.  The church must exist to be a testimony of God’s love, a reflection of what God is doing in this world, reconciling man to God and a beacon of hope in a world filled with trouble and care.

Church – a Building?
That is essentially what a church is.  Today, when we speak of a church, we usually think of a building.  At least, that is what it meant the past many centuries.  It is represented by a characteristic building and we call it a church today.  The danger is that we become so exclusive that sometimes we lose our relevance or even significance.

Church – a Denomination
Then with the many missions that took place from the first century, springing from every corner of the earth, suddenly the church took on a different meaning – it is the dogma or practice of a certain kind of Christians.  I remember how often when I was asked about the church I came from or serve, the question is always this – “Is your church Charismatic or non-Charismatic”.  It gives the idea that there is a preference or even a quality that is better and different.

Church – with no walls
Then in the past thirty or fifty years, we talked about a church without walls, pointing to a church that is to be made relevant to the society – that the church in a metaphorical way is saying that we must not confine ourselves within the walls of our comfort or security, but to exist to bring hope and reach out to the world.  Terms like “a church without walls”, “externally focused church”, “user friendly church”, “community church” became an in thing. 

Church – online
Today with the pandemic, it has pushed us further to consider the church online.  We then realized that the church is indeed literally (not just metaphorically) has become the church without walls.  We have put the church into the internet for all to attend, listen and hopefully to be evangelized and grow.
As I sat down to think of all that is happening today, I was wondering, what would be next for the church today.

The pandemic has made a drastic difference in the way we view church today.  Let’s not even talked about loyalty anymore as the option is simply too great.  We wake up on Sunday morning and ask, “Now what church shall I TUNE in today?”  Is this a good thing or a bad one?  We have even become so comfortable to “go” to church with “going” to church.  After these 2 years or more, many are even feeling whether it is a necessity to assembly physically.

Church – Metaverse
If we see the scenario of the church, another thing is emerging.  It is called the metachurch or metaverse church.  I was introduced this new form of doing church using virtual reality.  The online church while comfortable as it may be, it can get too “boring” too.  Turning into church is simply a one person experience in 2D.  The Metachurch is now 3D, and I interact as an “avatar” that I choose.  Will this be the new church of the century?

Conclusion
“THE CHURCH IS NOT SOMETHING WE GO TO, THE CHURCH IS A FAMILY YOU BELONG”

With all that I was thinking, I realized that the church is basically a family I belong.  I believe the pandemic will come to an end, but will our mindset change?  Will this change today cause me to think that it is simply something I go to, or will it continue to be a family I belong and want to grow together.

The New Testament speaks of the church as a household (family) of God.  It speaks of the church as  the “living” body of Christ with members who live interdependent upon each other.  It speaks of a priesthood that we become mediators between the world that is lost and  a God who is love.

So what is church to you my dear brothers and sisters in Christ?