Response to Brianb
Maybe he felt, for the safety of the membership and staff, it was best not to meet while the risk were high.
Now that the risks are no longer as high, the pastor and leadership, may feel it's time to return to assembling.
I don't think it's ever wise to thumb your nose at secular government, but I do think there are times we must stand.
What if the local government says tou cannot meet until there is a vaccine.
What if they say you can never have more than 100 church member in assembly at a time.
What if they say you can not share the gospel publically because its offensive to some.
What is they say you must pay taxes on your property or on your offerings.
What if the local government says you must open up your membership or even hire employees people who are unsaved and do not believe the bible.
I would not have done it in the way he did, but I do think in the coming years we will be forced to to take a stand like we have never had to in this country.
At some point we must stand by what we believe and may have to use the courts if we feel the government is oversteping their bounds.