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I offer this transparent thread on #pastoralministry in the midst of a pandemic in hopes that it might encourage other pastors who may be feeling burdened tonight.
I love seeing reports about the amazing things happening in churches around the country despite the Covid crisis.
I love seeing reports about the amazing things happening in churches around the country despite the Covid crisis.
When churches report 90% of normal attendance or hundreds of baptisms during this season, etc. I rejoice.
But at the moment, those things are not yet happening in the church I'm pastoring.
Our giving has been good, and the people have been patient, understanding, and...
But at the moment, those things are not yet happening in the church I'm pastoring.
Our giving has been good, and the people have been patient, understanding, and...
fairly unified throughout this past year.
But we've been devastated by Covid. Our community and church have been hard hit.
Real talk: We are averaging about 35% of our pre-Covid worship attendance. Many who haven't returned are concerned about the virus. Others, I'm afraid...
But we've been devastated by Covid. Our community and church have been hard hit.
Real talk: We are averaging about 35% of our pre-Covid worship attendance. Many who haven't returned are concerned about the virus. Others, I'm afraid...
have totally disconnected from the life of the church, despite our best efforts to continue ministering in this time.
Beyond that (and more concerning), our evangelistic efforts have struggled more this year than any year in my 16 years of ministry. It's not for lack of trying.
Beyond that (and more concerning), our evangelistic efforts have struggled more this year than any year in my 16 years of ministry. It's not for lack of trying.
I've invited people to Christ every week. We've had some creative outreach strategies during this year. But due to the social dynamics of the pandemic, the cancellation of evangelistic events, etc., we aren't reaching people for Christ like I wish we were.
This is frustrating. It's also terrifying. I often wonder, when will everyone come back? Will they come back at all?
I wonder with increasing frequency, have I failed in some aspect of my leadership that we aren't having the outward success right now that some others are?
I wonder with increasing frequency, have I failed in some aspect of my leadership that we aren't having the outward success right now that some others are?
I probably feel less confident about my leadership abilities at the moment than I ever have.
I simply do not have what it takes. I can't change my church. I can't make people come back. I can't snap my fingers and see baptisms increase.
But here's the deal: God can.
I simply do not have what it takes. I can't change my church. I can't make people come back. I can't snap my fingers and see baptisms increase.
But here's the deal: God can.
I don't have adequate wisdom or skill to lead through all this. But God has everything I need.
Jesus is the chief shepherd of the church. Ultimately, what the church is or becomes is up to him. He's in charge.
My responsibility is to be faithful, endure, keep shepherding...
Jesus is the chief shepherd of the church. Ultimately, what the church is or becomes is up to him. He's in charge.
My responsibility is to be faithful, endure, keep shepherding...
and trust him with what's going to happen with the church.
My job isn't to grow the church. It's not to "fix" the church. My job is to lovingly care for the sheep that belong to Jesus and faithfully guide them to him, however challenging the road might be right now.
My job isn't to grow the church. It's not to "fix" the church. My job is to lovingly care for the sheep that belong to Jesus and faithfully guide them to him, however challenging the road might be right now.
So if you're experiencing feelings of helplessness or even hopelessness, if you're frustrated or fearful, know this: you aren't alone. Pastors across the country are in the same boat. More importantly, Jesus knows, cares, and is with you. Keep your hand to the plow!
And if you need someone to listen to you, sympathize with what you're going through, and pray with you, send me a DM and I will be that person for you! Don't give up!
