Mission as 'being with' in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa

Abstract

This research investigates the impact measures (such as lockdowns) used to combat pandemics like the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) on the church’s mission. When people in communities face travel and assemble restrictions, the church as a community of witness testifying and participating in Christ’s work, as Hooker (2009) puts it, risks being neutralised and its presence weakened. What then does mission as ‘being with’ look like in these situations? Is faithful presence something one can turn on and off at will depending on the situation? If faithful presence is no more, what then is the impact of such absence on the church’s mission? What is the impact of such absence, perceived or real, on the beneficiaries of the church’s mission? These questions underscore the relevance of this research which seeks to ascertain the impact the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has on the church’s mission; in other words, what does mission as being with mean during a deadly pandemic that is accompanied by a government-mandated lockdown? The crucial area this research seeks to explore are the lessons from the COVID-19 lockdown that will prepare the church for future pandemics which scientists say are inevitable. What then happens when communal life is disrupted by a deadly pandemic; when freedom of movement is taken away and people can no longer move around as they wish; when there is a shortage of willing and capable people to deal with issues other than ‘medical’ that affect communal life; when faith communities cannot assembly and churches can only stream their worship services directly to people’s digital devices and homes? What does mission as being with look like in these situations?

The results revealed six attributes, or capacity building blocks, of a missional church, namely, it: • creates a culture of collaboration – with government, business, and non-governmental organisations; • continuously builds strong relationships with groups of similar interests; • builds long-term partnerships; • embraces diversity, unity and inclusion in decision-making; • regularly communicates its vision, policy and plans; • encourages community participation in its programmes whilst also participating in community led initiatives.

Based on these themes/attributes, the research recommends a 7-step process to prepare the church for the next pandemic: • ecumenical relationships • useful partnerships • striving for church unity – speaking with one voice • pew skills audit • indigent households audit • (re)training of pastors and laity • Disaster Management Framework (DMF) for the church