dChan - Q Origins Project Archive

VC FIGHTS BACK- 2nd Church in Ventura Co, CA to Restart Indoor Services

Calvary Chapel Oxnard to restart indoor services

Several high-visibility churches statewide are publicly resisting the state’s re-instituted ban on indoor live services. Newbury Park’s Calvary Chapel Godspeak very publicly restarted its indoor services in May, then later dropped the social distancing. Ventura County warned them twice, sued them last week, and was granted a temporary restraining order to halt the services. Church elders voted unanimously to continue anyway and did today, surrounded by TV news crews and a few protesters. Even an atheist attended to show solidarity, he told one of our reporters.

Meanwhile, another Calvary Chapel, in Oxnard, has taken a more nuanced and much quieter approach. The church saw attendance plunge when the state banned services completely. They have had a strong online presence for years, so that continued and some of the former churchgoers joined in. When Calvary Oxnard restarted after the ban was lifted, it was with socially distanced indoor services, with about 300 attending. When indoor services were again banned, it moved them outdoors.

After great thought and discussion, the church developed its own, unique approach, which Senior Pastor Lance Ralston announced today at their outdoor service. They are continuing the successful online services as always. They will continue the outdoor services as weather and attendance permit. But they will restart their socially distanced indoor service at 11 am next Sunday, August 16

It was interesting to hear Ralston’s well thought-out rationale behind it, based upon both temporal and spiritual considerations, briefly summarized:

-The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t live up to its billing as another Spanish flu situation. Its actual severity and death rate are far, far lower than the millions forecast, but the reaction hasn’t really been dialed down to the lower threat level. Death rate in the county has been 1/100 of a percent. Among young people, it is nearly nonexistent and among non-senior adults, the risk of death is remote.

-The county and state have persisted with inappropriate restrictions which have severely harmed the economy, society, liberty and of course, worship. It is the most at risk who need protection.

-Government is now interfering in mankind’s relationship with God and that is unacceptable to this church. Pastor Ralston sees a satanic influence when you peel away the layers of what they are doing. Much of the state/county are open because certain things are deemed essential: food, utilities, construction, health care, most government, transportation, pot shops, liquor stores (he said to keep The People numbed) , abortion mills and nationwide protests. The last one was very telling and was the last straw, since officialdom raised no real objections to millions protesting and far worse all over, with little social distancing, etc.

– Officials, media and others say churches should just stick to outside services. Ralston responded that the state has constantly changing restrictions, more severe, less severe, ban this or that. They may lock it down again or just ban it outright. This is not their decision to make, especially as the threat rationale is greatly exaggerated. The Bible in Romans 13:1 says that people should obey the government laws. But they must be Godly laws/enforcement. Peter in Acts 5:29 says “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” when in conflict. The county and state have crossed the line and that God should take priority.

https://www.citizensjournal.us/oxnard-church-to-restart-indoor-services/