In a few weeks, we will commemorate a major event. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID–19 a pandemic! 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 registered deaths. Six years ago – remember? During the watershed event in world history, some leaders and prophetic voices predicted major changes with the wakeup call.

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3 Predictions

1. Deconstruction

We need to deconstruct our prevalent gospel presentation to highlight repentance, Lordship, and the Kingdom of God, as they are so evident in the Bible. There is simply no biblical basis for a “Jesus as Savior only” message. The content of our message determines the quality of our converts.

2. Distribution

God‘s blueprint in Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals the Church is not a building but a body, and Christianity is not an auditorium-centered, spectator sport with leaders given only for educating or entertaining, but for the equipping of the saints for the work of service. “The five gifts ministries are essential, not optional, so that ‘every part effectively does its work and grows building itself up in love.”

3. Decentralization

The Church must be decentralized to express the biblical model that Christianity is not merely an “In-N-Out Burger” service to attend, but a life to be shared, impacting local communities. The church is not built primarily on Sunday services but relationships (Acts2:42–47) with Christians interacting with each other from “house to house” and in corporate gatherings.

12 Essentials of a New Testament Church

1. Is Jesus Christ exalted as the Son of God, risen from the dead, and humankind’s only path for forgiveness and redemption (Acts 2:22-24)?
2. Is the Bible honored and taught with authority as God’s inerrant and authoritative will for humanity (2 Timothy 3:16)?
3. Is there authenticity, sincerity, and vitality in the praise and worship (Psalm 150), contrasted with lifeless liturgy or man-centered performance?
4. Is there genuine love practically expressed by the people (John 13:34-35)?
5. Do the people build interpersonal relationships among themselves that go beyond merely attending services (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42)?
6. Do the leaders emphasize pastoral care that embraces a person’s legitimate needs, and do they exercise appropriate church discipline when needed (1 Peter 5:2; Hebrews 13:17)?
7. Is there an emphasis on commitment rather than mere convenience in the life of the church (Acts 2:42-47)?
8. Is there leadership present that exemplifies Christian virtue (integrity, loyalty, humility) and not merely charismatic speaking ability divorced from character (1 Timothy 3:1-13)?
9. Is there acknowledgment of and input from the five gift ministries set in the church for our maturity (apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers) (Ephesians 4:11-15), plus encouragement to function in our individual gift ministries?
10. Is there an evangelistic thrust to intentionally reach others with the gospel and connect with the wider body of Christ in our locality to fulfill the Great Commission (Mathew 28:19-20)?
11. Is there a sense of reality and relevancy as opposed to religious ritual (2 Timothy 3:5)?
12. Are people’s lives being genuinely transformed through their involvement and opportunities for service (Romans 12:1-8)?

Here’s the deal: As the waters recede and we transition into the post-pandemic era, will we rise to the challenge? May we cast down any idols, including those of religion, tradition, and fear of man. “As Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25), may we do likewise as the bride who “made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).

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Larry Tomczak is a bestselling author of 10 books, a cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member, and a public policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. Go to www.larrytomczak.com to watch 30 amazing, free, on-demand, brief videos done by some of America’s top leaders to confidently address today’s tough issues. Photo Credit: rdegrie/Getty Images via Canva Teams.