As a church leader, you may be used to spending some time alone preparing your Sunday message. But otherwise, you’re probably used to going, doing, and being with people throughout the week. Now that you’re staying home more, though, your days may look a little different for a time as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. But you don’t need to sit around just waiting for the coronavirus to pass. There are special opportunities to fulfill your calling in Christ today—from an appropriate social distance.
Consider structuring your week around these goals for yourself and your staff:
Connecting with People
You may not be able to have lunch with prospective church members or small group leaders like you used to, but you can still call them. A quick “I’m just calling to see how you’re doing” would be welcomed by many people struggling with loneliness during this pandemic. Others may be having a hard time with strained relationships and being stuck living under the same roof during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You, your staff, and other leaders in your church can offer people prayer and support for dealing with their current hardships even from their homes. If the weather’s nice, you might even be able to drop by for a conversation (at least 6 feet apart) outside.
Studying a New Topic or Skill
You probably have a routine for studying God’s Word, but perhaps there’s a specific area you feel you’ve never had the time to pursue. Maybe you’d like to investigate apologetics more, read up on Christology, or dig deeper into Old Testament studies. Or you and your staff could read a book together as a team. Alternatively, you could study leadership strategies or discover new ways to use technology for ministry. Now’s the time to watch a webinar, sign up for an online class, or work on a foreign language. Prayerfully consider how God might want to use this time as you work from home in a special way to prepare you and your leadership for future ministry opportunities.
Spreading the Word
Thanks to technology, there are still many ways to share hope with your congregation and those seeking to grow in their faith. What are some new ways you could try sharing God’s Word? Try posting a daily devotion video to social media each morning for a week. Create that podcast you always talked about. Host a Facebook Live prayer meeting. Or put some extra time into creating inspirational and promotional graphics for your church (or finding someone to do that for you). Ask those within your personal network about how they’re making the most of the current situation and what’s working for them.
As a church leader, remember that you are called to bring others alongside you and disciple them. You are not alone, and it’s not all up to you. Trust God to lead you during this time of working from home, to equip you, and to support you. And be open to new ways He might be calling you to serve Him.
Read more:
Your Church and the Coronavirus: Managing Remote Staff During the COVID-19 Pandemic
