Pastor, throw your net to the other side.

In John chapter 21, we see a discouraged Peter, and 6 other disciples go fishing. This event took place days after the crucifixion of Jesus. These disciples turned back to something they were familiar with and knew a lot about; fishing. As the story goes, these master fishermen were out all night and caught nothing. At daybreak they heard someone from the shore call out to them "Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you'll find some." So they did and the scriptures tell us that they were unable to haul in the net because of the large number of fish.

As I speak with pastors in light of the recommendation from our governor not have church services because of the fear from the coronavirus. I have been amazed how creative pastors have become to try something different, something they are not used to in order to "catch" people. Some churches began using new technologies to continue preaching remotely to a congregation on-line. Some are offering Drive-In style gatherings where they use FM transmitters, or speakers outside of their buildings. Some have invented other ways to communicate the Gospel to the masses.

In a time of panic and pandemic, I have been encouraged as pastors have listened to the voice of Jesus say "Throw your net from the other side". Pastor's are realizing that the traditional way of preaching isn't going to cut it, as long as churches are forsaken to assemble. There will be a time when the traditional way will work again, but today, we must try something different. We must ever closely listen to the voice of Jesus as he calls to us to try something different.