Texas Conference Church Buildings Continue to be Shuttered

Tamara Michalenko Terry

April 9, 2020

A month ago, the word “shuttered” was related, by many, to simply shutters on a window. Today, it is popular terminology to describe the state of many schools, businesses and houses of worship amid the Coronavirus outbreak.

On March 17, 2020, Carlos J. Craig, Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists president, shared the heavy decision to close Texas Conference church buildings for up to 30 days. At that time he stressed the importance for “church” to continue even though the location may change.

“It has been impressive to hear the creative ways church members are connecting,” Craig said. “I especially appreciated how church leaders are intentionally trying to reach people of all ages from the little ones to grandparents.” Some churches, he noted, have even provided drive-thru food pantries for their community.

Craig expressed his gratitude to the innovative churches helping those technologically challenged, stating, “We are all in this together with the same goal to share the love of Jesus with others and let them know about the peace that only Jesus can provide.”

When Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Orders on March 31, 2020, that “religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship” were “Essential Services,” many were hopeful that churches could open again. But the order included the statement, “If religious services cannot be conducted from home or through remote services, they should be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC by practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation, and by implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Currently, those guidelines recommend no more than 10 people to gather in one place while socially distancing six feet apart.

If churches were to open, the eleventh person would be disheartened to arrive at church only to be turned away.

Aware of the challenges and limitations, Texas Conference administration voted to keep the church buildings closed through the end of April and beyond if orders deem it necessary.

“The health and wellbeing of our members and guests are of utmost importance,” David Montoya, Texas Conference executive secretary and the Religious Liberty and Public Affairs coordinator for the conference, said. “We don’t want to intentionally put someone at risk. We are still able to worship; we just have to do so in small groups or using technology.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, which originated with small-group home studies, is widely known for its health message and stresses the CREATION (Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook and Nutrition) principles for ultimate health.

“Challenges like these provide opportunities to thrive,” Kenn L. Dixon, Texas Conference vice president for Communication & Public Relations, said. “Those churches who have members personally calling each person in their membership list regularly, providing an online platform to connect and allowing young people to help with the new demand for media content may see a closer, more cohesive group than they had before. This situation has also created a thought-provoking time to reflect on what is most important in our lives.”

God is the originator of turning lemons into lemonade. He asks us to trust Him and have faith in His words. He will help us through these challenging times. Prayerfully consider how you can be an encouragement to someone today and remember God’s words in Isaiah 43:2: “I will be with you.”

_____

Tamara Michalenko Terry, associate director
Texas Conference Communication & Public Relations