| I have a confession: I checked out of online church months ago. I don’t know what the final straw was. Maybe it was the fact that, after a week of zoom meetings for work, I couldn’t bear more time in front of the computer. Or perhaps it was the futile enterprise of getting three young kids to sit still and watch a laptop on Sunday morning. But eventually we logged off and I just started leading my family in a time of Bible study, singing, and prayer. It’s actually been a lovely experience (though I do get some complaints about my preaching) while we wait till we can gather with our church family in person again. I’m not the only one checking out. As Adam Graber shares, “Half of those who used to go to church have stopped since the pandemic started.” And I’m willing to best that most aren’t replacing online church with a time of worship in the home. In this important article, Graber shares what church leaders can learn from the drop in online attendance. You’ll also want to check out our resource on Creating Community. With people isolated and fearful, now is a great time to communicate the robust biblical vision for how God’s people can strengthen their ties to each other. | 