Troy Church Of The Nazarene

July 30, 2020

COVID Statement Update

Statement regarding recent governor’s order to wear face coverings.

Dear TCN Family,

Recently there was a statewide order given requiring everyone to wear a face mask in public. We understand this order only covers those the age of 10 and older and exempts those who have a medical reason.

Once you read the governor’s order you will notice there are no specific instructions regarding churches other than the exemption statement regarding an individual conducting a religious service. Our understanding as a leadership team is to receive the orders for businesses and public places and interpret them in the context of the church setting.

At this time, we are strongly encouraging people to adhere to the governor’s order requiring masks when indoors and not social distancing. However, we do not believe it is our place to monitor your use of a mask.  Considering the increase of COVID-19 should you choose to not wear a mask please be sure to practice social distancing guidelines.

The second matter we wish to address is, “How we should respond to orders from the government?” We are certain you have looked and examined this from the perspective of Scripture and in doing so we have a very succinct answer.  On this the Bible is clear. We are to honor and obey our governing authorities.

We are going to have different ideas and opinions about political matters and the government. Political issues, political figures, the spread of COVID-19, the effectiveness of face coverings, etc.  We are all free to have our own opinions. However, when it comes to what Scripture commands us, we are to place our opinions second to the command of scripture and obey God.  Why?  To bring glory to Him and retain unity in the Body of Christ.  How? Not by wearing/not wearing a face mask or social distancing but by our attitude and the manner in which we respond.

Let us make it our aim to prioritize God’s glory, proclaim the Gospel, and watch for the good of others above everything else.

Titus 3:1-2 reads, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

-be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient…

Obeying this order in no way causes us to disobey God. There should be no fear in choosing to wear a mask.

-be ready to do whatever is good…

When we show the world a right attitude toward those in authority it goes a long way in helping us maintain a credible witness and prepares us to show people the grace of God.

-slander no one (speak evil of) …

When we disagree with someone it is easier than ever before to speak evil of that person, even a politician. Even if we disagree with them, we are to speak well of them in a respectful way and pray for them. Loving them as our neighbor.

-to be peaceable (no quarrelling)…

It is our responsibility as people of God to make sure we are not divided by an order to wear a face mask or the pandemic we know as COVID-19. This is our choice and cannot be made by anyone else. Let us love one another and pour ourselves out for one another to retain and build the unity of the church.

-and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone…

Another translation says to show “perfect courtesy to all”. We are going to have differing opinions so in our differences let us be considerate and gentle to one another. Showing kindness and patience will permit God to preserve the unity of our church as well as the Good News He has entrusted us to proclaim.

In conclusion, please pray for your staff and the ministry vision team to have God’s wisdom as we lead the church. Continue to pray for our church to be strong and for our community to flourish.