This can still be a scary time for a lot of pastors. Although these are unprecedented moments in history, I believe the Lord will continue to use these moments to cause us to rethink and restructure why and how we “do church.”
Some churches have been struggling under financial weights, trying desperately to keep buildings afloat that they were never able to fill from the beginning. They often put unnecessary weight on the few faithful to give more than what they even had while simultaneously putting unreasonable burdens of ministry on the few — because they were all they had as well.
The members love you but some were simply burnt out pre-pandemic. Some kept pressing even as it taxed them beyond measure; others withdrew, taking personal sabbaticals. Please take note that you often had 20% of the people doing 80% of the work and those same 20% providing 80% of the financial support. Some pastors shamed those who didn’t “come through” for them and pressed the same people for even more — more of their time and more of their monies to try to sustain ministry.
I think most of these pastors earnestly desire to serve God faithfully. These are not those seeking to live lives of luxury financed by their members but those who believe they are called by God to shepherd and oversee the flock of God. But good intentions don’t always result in right or prudent actions.
What many have refused to do is consider this: Maybe the problem isn’t what you think it is. When it comes to why churches don’t seem to grow, many pastors immediately conclude: It’s this new brand of sheep. It’s the people. But just maybe you’re the one that needs to listen a little more intently to discern God’s voice. Maybe God is trying to tell YOU something.
This current stay-at-home situation will give many of you the opportunity to get yourself and those you have shepherded from under all this pressure. If you listen, it may be that you’re not meant to incur any more debt trying to hold on to a building that completely surpasses both your needs and your ability to pay. Maybe it’s time to, dare I say it, leave some of these doors shuttered? No worries, no fears — somehow God typically opens new doors and windows for his beloved.
Don’t get stuck because something is familiar or safe. Maybe some of you will have to learn to trust God to make a way out of no way for you as well. Maybe, as we have preached to others, it’s time we trust God for our provision and not just trust the pockets of other people. If nothing else, God is revealing that much of our model of ministry is unsustainable in crisis.
Maybe the seasons of what you’re supposed to be doing or HOW you’re supposed to do it is changing. All I’m saying is: Listen closely and intently for what GOD IS SAYING — not what you want, not what people will say or think, but what God is speaking to you for you and those you shepherd.
It’s scary thinking of change, but launch on out in the deep. The one who is calling you is waiting and is even right now preparing you for your NEXT.
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