Pastor Phil Wagler traded in a pulpit for what looks like a living room set in his church auditorium. If members of the Kelowna Gospel fellowship had to take in services online at their homes, he thought he should meet them 'where they are'.
Wagler doesn't judge the Kelowna church that's been garnering headlines for refusing to give up their in-person services, but like most Kelowna church leaders, he's taken a much different approach.
"From my perspective, the call of Jesus isn't about defending our rights, it's actually laying down our rights, for the good of others," he said. But he is quick to point out, that he isn't judging other churches for taking a different approach.
"One thing I do know, is all of our brother and sister churches here in the family, in this city, including I believe the church that you're referencing really want the best for people. They really do."
And Wagler admits giving up the inspiration that comes from gathering in large groups hasn't been easy.
"We're all learning what it means to lay down our rights and that's a huge challenge for everybody these days," and he said the process hasn't been overly divisive.
"I haven't seen it become a point of deep disunity, it's more like a family conversation."
Wagler said the pandemic has raised important questions.
"How do we serve the vulnerable well? How do we take care of those who are weak among us who might be immune-compromised?"
Despite, the lack of in-person services on Sundays, Wagler said the Kelowna Gospel Fellowship managed to emerge from 2020 with a financial surplus.
"The story for many non-profits and charities and churches who depend on donations has been challenging this year," he said, "but for us, people have been enormously generous."
Prior to the pandemic, the Kelowna Gospel Fellowship could draw 400 to 500 people to a Sunday service. Wagler admits the church may have lost some members through the pandemic, but said it's probably gained a few as well.
And important lessons have been learned along the way.
"Even if your connecting by watching this, we want you connected to even one other person or two other people, even if it has to be by zoom right now, or you have to go for a walk with a mask on," he said.
"Those small things," Wagler concluded, " I think has the potential for greater transformation and greater hope for people than just showing up once in a while with a big group of people where nobody knows your name."
