When Will Church Start Again?

Oklahoma City, OK: Governor Stitt is beginning to allow businesses and churches to resume gatherings May 1. That's good news!

"Give us this day our daily bread"

Why isn't Wilmont gathering for worship and when can we gather again? That seems to be the question of the hour!

Why no answers are the best answers

There are several reasons why Wilmont continues to delay and why we aren't making long-term projections. First, businesses and churches meeting early in May continue to face significant recommended restrictions, including masks, distancing, and sanitation. These restrictions make gathering difficult, if not unmanageable. Most churches are meeting outside or continuing broadcasting services in light of these challenges. Second, the posture of our national and state leaders are fluid. Recommendations at the beginning of a week are often different at the end of the week. Projecting the progress of social distancing in Oklahoma beyond a week is almost impossible, so it makes planning for late May or early June tenuous.

I've been reminded of God's promise to give us what we need, but only what we need for the moment. In the model prayer of Matthew 6, Jesus taught us to ask "Give us this day our daily bread" (verse 11). In the same chapter, thinking about the uncertainty of the future, Jesus warns us not to be worried about [future] life ... "for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (verse 32). I believe the best answer for this moment is to wait.

Therefore, Wilmont will not be meeting for worship at least through the first three Sundays in May.

What are we doing now?

• Your Wilmont staff is back at work in the office today, April 27. Our staff gatherings meet official guidelines of less than 10 and allows us to start planning for the future.
• We are improving our sanitation plan. We are developing the same sanitation plan currently in use by many OKC first responders. Supplies should arrive and training should happen this week.
• We want to communicate more, not less. We hope our regular videos, texts, and emails are helpful to you. There's nothing worse than hearing nothing. We won't always get this part right but we welcome you to reach out to us through phone or email if you ever have questions. There have been times along this journey where a couple of similar questions have prompted an answer to our entire membership.
• We meet regularly through Zoom with necessary teams such as finance, personnel, and building & grounds to advance our preparation and adjust to necessary changes. We are so grateful for the ministries our members are continuing to support.
• We are focused on our community. We continue to collect change for bus passes, baby wipes for Hope Pregnancy Center, and food pantry items for the Baptist Missions Center. You can bring those to the church, ring the doorbell, and drop those off in designated boxes in the office hallway.
• Seeking God, your ministry staff is in constant prayer and the Word to ensure our hearts are full to minister to you from our overflow. We are taking this time to ensure we are hearing from the Lord on behalf of our church. Please pray with and for us.
  

My initial desire was to entertain a "soft" regathering May 17 with Sunday School starting again June 1. We expect that to be pushed back but are uncertain right now how to predict how far. Help us be sensitive to our medical leaders and to the Holy Spirit for our church.

How can members minister?

1. Giving: We are surprisingly encouraged how so many of you have not only given, but several have given above the norm. We continue to have some financial needs and would just ask that you continue to be faithful and obedient.
   
2. Improve Worship: Make efforts to improve family worship. For many of us (speaking from experience), online Sundays feel more like watching TV passively than worshiping actively. Worship teams are trying to consider that as well, but think about how you and your family can spend time in Galatians or calling the hotline to pray, etc. These efforts really do help our sense of community.
   
3. Connect to others: Continue calling and texting your friends and Sunday School classes. Have you joined a Sunday School class through Zoom? It's so easy. Participate where possible so by being good stewards God will bless us with more "talents" (Matt 25:14-30).
   
4. Evangelize: Reach the community by participating in the collections mentioned above. But also look for God-conversations and ministries around you. People are open to the gospel in times of uncertainty.
   

We miss you and are looking forward to worship in the same room. Your staff is praying for you.
Because of Him,
Shawn Nichols, Senior Pastor

About Wilmont Place Baptist Church: Wilmont Place Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist church of 150 active members on the south side of Oklahoma City. Text-driven expository preaching, Bible-teaching, personal growth, and community evangelism define the culture and direct the activities and events of the congregation. The church is working through a formal revitalization strategy in which members become family and the community becomes ministry.

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