COVID - 19 Stories from the Church - Dustin Lang

Dustin Lang
Founder and Vision Caster, Revival LA
College, Young Adult, Online Pastor, NewStory LA

TogetherLA: What is your congregation dealing with in this COVID-19 crisis? 

 Dustin Lang: There really are so many to share. People are struggling emotionally, financially, and physically. For those who have larger adult populations, there is definitely a strong financial impact. People are losing their jobs and anxious about the future. The college organizations have students who are now off campus and going through their own unique struggles. We are hearing of COVID-19 affecting the family members of our local NewStory community, though we haven't heard of any cases amongst our actual members yet.

TogetherLA: How are you doing church differently right now? 

Dustin Lang: Church is now Church Online. The great thing is that it reminds us that church is not a building or even a service. The Church is the people of God. Revival LA is adjusting by gathering online for our events. Our next prayer night will be on Instagram Live instead of in person. NewStory is doing live services online on Sundays as well as several other online ministries during the week. Lunch with a Pastor happens on FB Live and is a way to engage with a pastor over a meal while being led in a devotional. There is also NewStory Praise & Prayer on Wednesdays at 8pm as well as kids, youth, college, and young adult events weekly.

TogetherLA: Do you anticipate incorporating more virtual options into your weekly gathering options once stay-at-home orders are lifted?

Dustin Lang: Definitely. People are people, even if they are online. We will likely continue to stream events and provide opportunities for people to join us online if they cannot meet in person.

TogetherLA: How are you seeing your church body rise up and love Jesus well in this season through their actions?

Dustin Lang: At NewStory, we are cooking around 200 meals each week to deliver to those in our community. We also pack care packages filled with essential items to deliver to those in our community as well. We have also set up a benevolence fund on our website to care for those who have needs and allow our church members to give help to those who need it. https://www.newstorychurch.com/help

TogetherLA: Do you see any parts of this season as a blessing? 

Dustin Lang: Yes. In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. This doesn't mean that God makes life easier. In fact, He sometimes allows life to be harder so that we could experience Him in greater ways. We are seeing our families worship together. We are seeing Christians living out their convictions. We are seeing collaboration amongst different ministries. It is also a strong reminder that the things we once thought were certain really aren't. But salvation through Jesus is one certainty that will never change.

TogetherLA: How is this crisis changing you as a pastor? 

Dustin Lang: This has shown me the importance of bringing unity in the body of Christ (Revival LA). It has also taught me that crisis is something to lead through not just to react to.

TogetherLA: What should the church pay attention to from this season and capture for a post-COVID-19 world? 

Dustin Lang: The church needs to realize that we are called to action. There is never in history a moment where the church can be inactive. But always, we need to meet the needs of our world and in so doing be the hands and feet of Christ.

TogetherLA: What scripture has been near to you lately?

Dustin Lang: Esther 4:14. It is for such a time as this that God has raised up His leaders and placed His children in the city of Los Angeles.