I stand in this state of suspended animation that now exists between the birth of Pentecostalism and the Mega-church and prosperity doctrine, where COVID-19 has forced church services to the Internet and, for some, reduced the administering of Holy Communion recently to pre-Easter drive-thrus and a chance to touch a big cross.

I stand still convinced that church buildings and crosses are mere symbols to the believer—not necessarily requisite to salvation.

Indeed the church, where I have gathered more times than I can count since I was a child, had a critical hand in the faith that helped pull me through poverty and hardship.

Indeed I see a different man than I am today: Younger, fervent, more idealistic at my grandparents’ True Vine Church of God In Christ with its neon-lit marquee with the red letters, “Jesus Saves” in a white globe, lighting the way.

John W. Fountain is an award-winning columnist, journalist, professor, publisher and author of True Vine: A Young Black Man’s Journey of Faith, Hope and Clarity; and Dear Dad: Reflections on Fatherhood.