Pastors Prepare for Renewed Battle Over Church Closures

By Washington Examiner. When California Gov. Gavin Newsom in July announced revamped restrictions on worship, churches statewide resisted, drawing the attention of pastors nationwide as they prepare for a renewed struggle over church closures.

Newsom’s restrictions require all churches to suspend singing during services and most to hold their churches outside. Citing already burdensome restrictions placed on them in the spring, many church leaders refused to comply, most notably John MacArthur, a celebrity pastor who declared in a Sunday sermon that “Christ, not Caesar, is head of the church.”

MacArthur’s sermon won widespread approval from many evangelicals. Greg Locke, a Tennessee pastor with a large social media following, in a video this week cited MacArthur to make clear to his congregation that he has no plans to close again if shutdowns return to the state.

“Churches should be open,” he said. “There should be no excuses. I will go to jail before I close my church.” (Read more from “Pastors Prepare for Renewed Battle Over Church Closures” HERE)

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Church Encourages People Dealing With COVID-19 Saying ‘Be Careful, Not Fearful’

By ABC 6. The Licking County Health Department is actively working with the administration of Christian Life Center in Heath regarding an outbreak of COVID-19 illnesses related to the church.

The department has conducted contact tracing of individuals who are confirmed with COVID-19 and attend the church. So far at least 32 confirmed cases have been reported in the congregation of about 600 people.

“We appreciate their willingness to work with our staff to prevent further spread of the virus. We continue to urge county residents to stay home if they are sick, wear a mask in accordance with the state’s order, maintain proper social distancing and wash their hands frequently,” said Chad Brown, Health Commissioner. . .

Pastor @michaelensey says his church is trying to be a light in what’s a pretty dark time for so many people. Christian Life Center in Heath dealing with at least 32 people in their 600+ congregation who have confirmed #COVID19 cases.”I know God is going to get us through this.” pic.twitter.com/lDqjnEHsx9

— Lu Ann Stoia (@stoiawsyx6) July 31, 2020

“We are going to be careful but not going to be fearful. We are going to trust God is with us through it all,” said Ensey. “This is unprecedented. Everybody has been doing their best trying to navigate a very unique season for everybody.” (Read more from “Church Encourages People Dealing With COVID-19 Saying ‘Be Careful, Not Fearful'” HERE)

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