In light of our recent winter weather, here are some principles and suggestions to help you make good decisions about holding or canceling your Sunday morning services.
Our Default Position is to Gather, not Cancel
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The weekly Sunday gathering is more important than many Christians, even pastors, often assume. The decision to cancel should never be made lightly, especially multiple Sundays in a row, which could develop into a habit rather than a one-time extreme circumstance.
Decisions Like These are Part of our Pastoral Calling
Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly. (1 Peter 5:2)
God gave churches pastors to exercise oversight in these situations. Weather isn’t an interruption to your pastoral work; it’s an opportunity to shepherd your church well. Meet the occasion with eagerness.
Differing Decisions Call for Grace
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:19)
Some pastors will say, “Since God can protect us from danger on the road, the faithful thing to do is go ahead and meet.” Others will say, “Since some of our vulnerable members may get into danger on the way, the loving thing to do is cancel this week.” In matters like this where good pastors may come to differing decisions, be gracious toward one another.
Wisdom Is Not the Opposite of Faith
The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it. (Proverbs 22:3)
We’re called to trust and obey God with wisdom. It’s wise to use the means God provides (forecasts, local advisories, etc.) to make a prudent decision about holding or canceling services.
We Value Peace and Order
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…All things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40)
Decisive forethought is important in these situations. Decide early and communicate your decision clearly. It’ll reduce anxiety and confusion for your church.
God is Sovereign Over These Things
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring…Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
Weather situations are opportunities to model trust in God’s providence. As such, your tone when you communicate your decisions to your church should convey faith rather than fear and humility rather than bravado.
Some Suggestions
- Don’t make the decision alone. Involve a couple of fellow church leaders. It’ll be a good discipleship opportunity and protect you from being out on a limb by yourself.
- Discern if the weather is dangerous or merely inconvenient. If it’s only inconvenient, go ahead with the service.
- Think carefully about how your decision will affect your most vulnerable members. Some of our elderly folks will be the first to risk a drive to the church if it’s open, even though they may be the last people who should be out in the weather.
- If it’s safe for members who live close to the church, but not for others who live further away, consider holding a gathering for nearby members, while encouraging those who live at a dangerous distance to stay home.
- Rather than fully cancel, consider alternative versions of your weekly gathering, such as connecting over Zoom, broadcasting a live sermon or devotion, encouraging members who live near to one another to meet in homes and use a devotional guide you provide, etc.
- If you decide to cancel, give guidance for how your church members can best use the morning, such as providing a sermon for them to watch (either your own or a trusted preacher) or a devotion to follow.
- If you decide to cancel, communicate it as thoroughly as you can to avoid members or visitors braving the dangers only to find a locked and empty church building when they arrive.
- If you decide to cancel, consider holding a special midweek gathering once the conditions improve.
What other biblical principles can guide us in these decisions? What practical suggestions have you found helpful? Share in the comments.