The day after a California appeals court ordered Grace Community Church to close its doors, Pastor John MacArthur welcomed thousands of churchgoers into the building for an in-person service. He’s been doing so for several weeks in spite of a back-and-forth battle with Los Angeles County over its coronavirus restrictions.
In response, California officials have threatened to fine MacArthur and his church’s staff, and the county even warned it could turn off the church’s water and power if necessary. But MacArthur has continued to preach a simple message: “Christ, not Caesar, is head of the church.”
MacArthur has argued that the Bible commands Christ’s followers to worship and fellowship together, and a state law that would prohibit them from doing so while at the same time allowing thousands to participate in a mass protest is not a law worthy of respect. His church is pleading its case at the bench, but it isn’t waiting for the verdict either.
Grace Community Church’s decision to continue holding services is certainly controversial — and maybe even reckless. But most churchgoers agree with MacArthur that it’s time to reconvene. Nearly two-thirds of regular church attendees said in a survey earlier this month that they believe it is acceptable to begin worshipping in person again. They are eager to resume their routines, but most importantly, they are eager to practice their faith.
Some churches, however, have had to make adjustments in order to do so. In California, houses of worship have been instructed not to sing. And across the country, Catholic churches have had to change the way they take communion, with no more drinking from the same cup. This is a loss, but one many are willing to suffer if it means attending Mass once again.
Even so, churches such as MacArthur’s are the exception. Most have complied with the state governments’ restrictions willingly — some because they did not want a legal battle and others out of respect for the damage this virus has wrought. But as time goes on, I suspect many pastors will begin to follow MacArthur’s example — especially in states where the restrictions are being enforced hypocritically.
Churchgoers want to worship, as is their right. And a growing number will not let the state stop them.
