Yes, we are heading back to a new normal. The scary thing is that there are a lot of moving parts during this transition time. God said that if we lack wisdom, we need to ask Him for it (James 1:5). We need clarity and confidence as we restart ministries and reenter our facilities.

Let’s Talk

The other day I read a blog by Ron Edmondson entitled “Five things I know about Every Pastor.” You may have read it. It was so well written and relevant, I emailed him and got his permission to re-post it.  Here it is! (Originally posted by Ron Edmondson. Used by permission)

1. Pastors are overloaded with information. There are more articles, blog posts, webinars, podcasts, surveys and forwarded emails and Facebook posts than ever. It is simply impossible to keep up with all of them. Most pastors are on information overload.
2. Pastors are hearing differing opinions. They range from we should have never closed our buildings to we should keep our buildings closed until Jesus returns. We must require people to wear masks and masks are going to make us sicker. We shouldn’t sing and we have to sing or it isn’t “church”. Lots of varying opinions and everyone is an expert or read just the right article from one.
3. Pastors are stretched beyond capacity. One consistent thing I hear from pastors is that they are tired. They are producing far more content than they usually do. The needs of the people we love haven’t decreased. They’ve increased. The burden we feel to care for people is greater now than ever in my ministry.
4. Pastors are trying to make good decisions. I can’t imagine any pastor intentionally making bad decisions or ones that hurt the church. We’ve never done most of what we are doing these days. Everything is opinion-based. Pastors are “experimenting”. At times, it will be proven a good decision and other times not.
5. Pastors are in a unique setting. Each church is different. Every pastor is uniquely wired by God. Churches have different buildings, different people, and different local governing suggestions/requirements. Therefore, it will be difficult for any church to adopt one cookie-cutter approach.

Ron also added this advice as we move forward during this transition time:

• Surround yourself with wise people. Now is not the time to isolate yourself. You may need voices outside your church, but hopefully there are some wise people in your church as well. It might be that you need to glean from people who are not necessarily in a leadership position in your church.
• Stay local in your sources as much as possible. While I love hearing from those who are trying to help us with national ministries –and I am listening to them some, our best answers are likely going to come from people closest to our setting. Other pastors in our area and local and state leaders will better understand our unique contexts.
• Don’t be afraid to lead. You will make mistakes, but you might discover the next great you or the next great thing for your church. People are going to have opinions –like they always have. Be open to input from others, seek wise counsel, pray continually, but lead the best you can. Churches need real leadership these days.
• Take care of yourself. You must protect yourself. Put your own mask on (and I’m talking metaphorically not literally) before attempting to help others. Exercise. Rest in between the sprints. Care for your family. (You may want/need to wear a physical mask. I’ll leave that decision to you.) One thing I’m sure about. We need pastors at their best during times of crisis. And before and after they occur.

Before You Go

As your Superintendent, I want you to know that you are not alone. We are doing this together. Keep seeking God’s wisdom as you make plans for reopening. If we can help you in any way, please let us know. I’d love to hear what you and your church are doing.