What Should I Do With Those Who Are Unable or Unwilling to Attend Church When We Start Gathering?

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There are many complicated issues for churches to consider when deciding to start gathering again during the Covid-19 pandemic. We assume that the vast majority of our members are eagerly anticipating our gathering again. However, there will be some who are less eager. Here are five considerations in pastoring those who are unable or unwilling to attend:

1. SEEK TO IDENTIFY THE CIRCUMSTANCES

The reasons someone might not want to attend church gatherings vary greatly and our pastoral response will be directed to such reasons. Unwilling and unable are two very different categories and each have reasons attached. For example, there are big differences between the one who is fearful to return, the one who is immuno-compromised, and the one who simply wants to stay home and watch a live-stream because it’s more convenient. Identifying the core reasons and the personal circumstances of the individual will be essential to shepherd well.

2. EXHORT FROM THE SCRIPTURES

To those who are unwilling to gather there is a great opportunity to open the Scripture and winsomely explain the true nature of the church as

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