Madison Magazine June-July 2020 | Page 16

How COVID-19 transformed houses of Story by Emily Patrick FAITH worship I t is often said religion is not necessarily found in a church, it lives in the people who practice it. COVID- 19 put that statement to the test when churches were urged to shut down in the wake of a global pandemic. Sunday services and regular weekly traditions were challenged, and church leaders quickly began to brainstorm on how to bring church into the homes of members. For Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe, pastor of First Baptist Church, keeping the familiarity of formal church was the most important goal to achieve. “I dress as I always dress,” Blythe said, referring to his unchanged routine of dressing in a suit and tie to address his congregation. “Sunday morning, we’re going to do what we do and have always done.” During his weekly sermons via Facebook Live, Blythe preaches to a virtual congregation from the pulpit at First Baptist. Blythe said he has heard from church members that they enjoy the continuation of a formal church service because “when (they) watch, it looks like church.” Blythe shared while the church might be empty of bodies, it is not empty of spirit. “A gentleman asked what it’s like preaching in an empty space. I simply responded, after laughing, I said ‘Sir, it’s not empty,’” he said. In March of 1995, Blythe and other members of the church said a prayer for the building. That prayer was: “Lord, let your spirit fill this place.” According to Blythe, that prayer was answered. And surprisingly, the longtime pastor has found that switching to internet services has led to something unexpected — a congregation that defies the barriers of city, state and even country. “(We get) comments from lots of places. The shares on Facebook draw in new members,” he said. “(We’re) reaching people we may not have ordinarily met. … that’s a success if there ever was one.” Moving forward, Blythe said serious discussions will be taking place regarding when the church will once again welcome its members. He pointed out that “easily” 60% of members are older than 60-years-old, some even into their nineties. For those who are older and unable to watch live over the internet, Blythe said the church records his sermons and delivers DVD copies to those members. A practice that not only helps the elderly, but also those with other health issues which do not allow 16 Madison Magazine June- July 2020