Everyone hopes to get back to normal as soon as possible! I’m praying for that! Yesterday, I went by the office to pick up a package UPS dropped off. After working from home for almost two weeks, it felt good to be driving to work. I even stayed in the office to work on an upcoming project for a couple of hours. Aww — normal!
LET’S TALK
However, we need to be careful what we wish for. In our longing for normal, we need to rethink what normal should and could be. Everything has been turned upside down in church ministry. It would be wise to use this time to reflect and plan ahead as we long to get back to “normal.” Here are a few questions to help.
- How has our church’s online presence helped ministry? How can we continue the things that have shown to be fruitful?
- Now that all programs stopped, which ones should start? Which ones should stay stopped?
- What about our phone calls? Most of our pastors are connecting with their members through the phone. Should we keep making regular calls, especially with our Senior Adults?
- Should we consider doing more work from home? What are some of the benefits? What are the pitfalls?
- How can group meetings using apps like Zoom and Google Meetings continue to unite our congregation or small groups?
- What about our financial health? Should we have more money in reserves? Are we ready and able to go to online giving exclusively?
- How can we continue an outward focus in our community? How do we find real needs to meet in the future?
BEFORE YOU GO
So as we go back to normal, what current changes do we want to become normal? What other questions should we be asking?
Coffee with Randall 
nicely done Randy. Good to see how this change or changes could lead to new benefits. Blessings.
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This is a great time to reflect on the positive programs for outreach or time to make adjustments to reach the lost. It’s also a good time to review our internal programs along with administrative logistics. Are these areas designed to reach the lost or are they just going through the motions to satisfy the “that’s the way we have always done it” attitude. God is giving us (me) time to listen for His voice and seek His will.
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You are right. This gives us a chance to be honest with ourselves and seek God’s new direction.
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FROM Hellmut Noelle
You shared some good thoughts Randy. Some have called this an apocalypse which may be an exaggeration. However, it will probably change the way we do things. Will people learn that a life slowed down and spent with family is more valuable? Will more parents embrace home schooling? With no physical church services and programs, will more Christians discover quietness with God in a noise addicted culture? How will people’s understanding of faith, the media and politics change? Last, how will it affect our beliefs and values? For people of faith it will become an opportunity to become more mission minded and strategically focused. God will turn it into an opportunity.
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