Over time, they have tweaked online services to better connect with the audience, which means letting go of some former expectations. What if instead, we shifted our expectations to focus on the new things God is doing?įor example, many churches scrambled to offer services online this year. When we don’t reset our expectations, we default to a pre-COVID mindset and find the current reality disappointing. Īs much as our ministry metrics have needed to shift, so should our expectations of seasonal ministry traditions and even weekly services. Keep leading in the area of generosity and stewardship, letting people know that their gifts, whether online or in-person, matter. Tell those compelling stories of impact and inspire your congregation through ministry impact. “The silver lining through COVID has been how churches have stepped outside of their walls and begun to serve their communities in creative ways, to be the church outside of the walls of your Sunday gathering,” says Monty. Rather than be daunted by this, stay focused on your church’s mission and the message of the gospel with the people in your church and community. Some people have shifted to a church that opened earlier or another church they visited online. He also notes some pastors are seeing a shakeup in their congregations prompted by the lack of gathering in-person. Monty encourages leaders to return to evangelism and discipleship, guiding their congregations in spiritual formation. It’s hard to interpret them and know what is reliable. It is in a pastor’s nature to “track the numbers.” Looking at numbers right now can feel confusing, even discouraging. How will we succeed? How do we measure that?Īs you measure success in this season, know that the metrics have changed.Through the lens of our values, how will we behave?.It's a time to keep your eye on the main thing, not to shrink back and get convoluted and down in the weeds.” Monty says it’s important for pastors to hone in and keep bringing people back to what they do know, the framework of scripture and the clarity of their mission. “I saw a quote from Jenni Catron on her blog that struck me, ‘Our confidence comes not from certainty, but from clarity.’ It's hard to be certain these days because there is so much that is unknown, and everything is fluid and evolving.” These distractions can also lead to confidence issues when leaders begin to feel like they will be attacked no matter what they say or decide. Monty shares that it’s important to keep your attention on the main thing, avoiding a state of intense distraction where you miss your primary focus. “Don't deny your own need in the midst of everybody else's need, for the sake of your church.” He recommends reaching out to others and exploring resources like Soul Shepherding, which is dedicated to ministry with pastors. At the same time, sometimes in the complicated world we live in, we need outside voices to come alongside us.” We know it can be difficult for pastors to share tougher experiences within their organization, and yet many are in dire need of guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to share the load and the weight of the responsibility for your own health and wellbeing.” To maintain the pace of being that first responder, make sure you gather people around you, that you divide and conquer, realizing you can't meet the need of every person knocking on your door or every email in your box. Once you have a clearer perspective on how you’re doing, Monty notes the need for pastors to share their experiences and responsibilities with others. Reflecting on the year in general, he adds, “If you're not feeling some sense of discouragement or frustration now, you're likely not self-aware.” Monty shares, “There are a hundred ways we get there, but don't deny the emotional being that you are, and realize that frustration and discouragement is a part of human life.” Whether acknowledged or not, many other pastors have tough seasons behind-the-scenes. Are you focused? Weary? Discouraged? Motivated? Lonely? Wherever you are, you are not alone.
How are you doing? Really doing? Schedule time on your calendar this month to pray and reflect on the state of your heart.
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