The Church Has Left the Building

Story by Walter Cardenas

Perhaps some think of “the church” as simply the building where they worship. That term has taken on new meaning as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. A building is not necessary for ministry to take place. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has found new and innovative ways to worship and reach out to others through phone calls, Zoom meetings and social media.

The Spanish-speaking members in Mountain View Conference’s territory have had many different needs. Local pastors and members have purchased groceries and offered financial assistance for those who have lost jobs. Volunteers have also taken them grocery shopping and have served as translators at doctor’s appointments.

The Moorefield (W.Va.) Spanish company has been very active in their community. As a result of the Holy Spirit’s influence and their commitment to serve, many people now know about the Adventist church in town. Some follow Sabbath morning online services and afternoon Q & A sessions with Pastor Heroes Sical and other church members. Viewers are getting answers to the questions and doubts they have about the Bible, God and church. Members from Women’s Ministries and Men’s Ministries are helping and inviting them to small groups.

Moorefield church recently celebrated a baptism, with more scheduled to come, as online Bible studies continue. Members agree that it seems as if the church has come to life! Moorefield Bible worker Guadalupe Castro says, “The church building is closed, but we don’t need a building to function as a church.”

It is true that the church building is closed, but the church has stayed open, and we know that God’s Church will be protected until He returns. The world has changed, but the mission remains the same, and the Church has to adapt to fulfill the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”