The COVID-19 pandemic has imparted numerous lessons, some of which extend beyond the immediate crisis, revealing aspects of growth, resilience, and reflection. Not all these lessons are negative; in fact, many individuals discovered a profound reliance on their faith, learning to place their trust in God rather than depending solely on their own strength or understanding. For some, the pandemic provided an opportunity to rest in God’s presence and attend to their spiritual well-being, aligning with the biblical insight that “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” as a means of restoring the soul.

The enforced slowdown also allowed many to reconnect with household members, rediscovering the value of relationships that had previously been taken for granted, akin to “ships passing in the night.” This period of reflection deepened some individuals’ engagement with the Word of God, transforming it into the “Living Word” that profoundly influenced their inner lives.

However, the pandemic also exposed vulnerabilities. The prolonged quietness, coupled with the intensity of one’s own thoughts, led many into the depths of depression and despair. To combat the discomfort of silence, some resorted to keeping their televisions on around the clock, as the stillness of the environment became unbearable.

From a corporate perspective, certain businesses flourished during the lockdown, capitalizing on the lifestyle changes induced by the pandemic. Zoom, a prominent example, emerged as an indispensable tool for maintaining communication. The company’s revenue surged, increasing from $623 million in the year preceding the pandemic to $2.65 billion by the end of January 2021—an extraordinary growth of over 300 percent. The following year, Zoom’s revenue continued to rise, reaching $4.10 billion, a testament to its pivotal role during this period.

While Zoom was instrumental in keeping the world connected safely during the pandemic, it is essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of such virtual platforms as we transition back to in-person interactions. Similar to how the rise of fast food allowed for convenient but less healthy dining options, the convenience of virtual communication may have led to a decline in the quality of our interpersonal connections.

Research has highlighted several concerns associated with the overreliance on virtual meetings:

1. Lack of Physical Presence**: Virtual interactions lack the tangible, shared environments crucial for cultivating deep emotional bonds. This absence can weaken team cohesion and erode the sense of community, which is vital for effective collaboration.
2. Reduced Spontaneity**: In-person meetings facilitate spontaneous, informal exchanges that are essential for creativity and teamwork. Virtual meetings, often scheduled and rigid, tend to inhibit these valuable interactions, potentially stifling innovation and connection.
3. Cognitive Load and Zoom Fatigue**: Virtual meetings require heightened mental effort to interpret non-verbal cues and navigate technical challenges. This increased cognitive load can lead to “Zoom fatigue,” characterized by reduced engagement and heightened stress among participants.

The need for physical assembly is underscored in Hebrews 10:25, which emphasizes the importance of gathering in person: “Forsake not assembling of yourselves together…” The term “assembling,” derived from the Greek “episynagōgē,” refers to a physical gathering, particularly for worship. This concept highlights the irreplaceable value of physical presence in fostering communal worship and support within the Christian faith.

For organizations like Kairos Prison Ministry, which relies heavily on personal connections, in-person interactions are vital for both team development and the impact of their mission. As we move forward, it is imperative to prioritize returning to face-to-face meetings, thereby restoring the deep sense of community that lies at the heart of our shared purpose and mission.

Kevin E. Resnover