THRIVE BLOG - AUGUST 2020

A few months ago we probably would not have believed this topic would still be addressed, but it is. As a pastor or church leader you still feel the stress that is prevalent with COVID-19. We all want to know when it will be over and wonder if things will return to normal or if “normal” gets redefined. Our churches want answers and guidance.

LifeWay Research conducted a survey in April 2020 seeking to get a grasp of pastoral responses to COVID-19 issues in ministry. I will mention just a few of the responses from the LifeWay Research.

In Relation to Connecting: Pastors responded that it was difficult to stay connected. They actually said, “…there was an increased demand for communication and pastoral care.” Pastors missed the social interaction even though they were aware keeping people connected would be difficult.

Second Issue to Connecting: It could be called The Loneliness Factor. Pastors miss seeing their church members. Church members miss seeing their pastor. The Loneliness Factor touches everybody connected with the church. This requires a mutual effort to stay in touch. Simple calls on the phone is a positive way to connect with members who do not Zoom, FaceTime or text.

Everybody has had to be creative in communicating. The regular use of ministering with social media has become a part of pastoral ministry now and will probably be a carry-over after the crisis.

A SAMPLING OF COVID-19 CONCERNS:

1. Working from home for the first time.

2. Lost income due to job shutdown or less work hours.

3. Problems finding solutions for child care.

4. Difficulty in paying bills.

5. Could not find toilet paper.

CONCLUSION

Andy Stanley recently said, “…during times of uncertainty, our voice is more important than our words. People need to hear your voice.” This is why it is essential to connect the best you can with your church and greater community. We all have had to break new ground and be innovative in our approach to ministry and life.

Roger and Pam Childers

The COVID-19 Journey

Everybody has had to make major adjustments to all of life because of the COVID-19 virus that has now spread worldwide. Nobody was prepared for what we are facing. Jobs were lost; income was reduced or ended; basic essentials were bought up by fearful people and some were and are without what they need;  many had to deal personally with the sickness of family members and sadly many died and were confronted with funerals that were different as we adhered to “social distancing” and limited people around to comfort and console. It is a journey on a road we have never traveled on. We have not passed this way before.

We have all probably traveled on unfamiliar roads before. You can feel somewhat uneasy about the way, even with GPS. Why? Well, you have never been this way before. You don’t know what is around the next bend; you don’t know what it looks like; you can get concerned with the unknown of the new way. In the Bible, Joshua informed the people “you have never passed this way before.” Those of us in church ministry realize we have never been in situations like we are now. We have experienced many things, but we have never passed this way before. We have never been told to go home and stay at home for weeks. Anybody fail on that one? Who would have believed that the search for toilet paper would be greater than almost any other item for your family? We have had to turn to Zoom, FaceTime, text messaging, and phone calls almost daily. Social media has actually proven to be helpful.

Yes, you are going a way you have never been before, but you are doing what you can to fulfill your call to God. Indicators are showing you are reaching the masses in areas you have never reached before. You are searching the Scriptures like a person digging for gold…and that is what you are finding, nuggets of gold to share with the people. You have to depend on God in a new way. That is the way faith was exercised by seekers in the Bible. Keep it up. Do not let the enemy shut churches or the Word of God down. Keep up the work of the Lord. If you need to talk or sound off about anything please call THRIVE for Roger or Pam Childers at (423) 637-0186 or Thrivetncog@gmail.com. We are here for you and your needs. THRIVE is available to assist you in whatever area of life that troubles you. Our confidential covenant with you is a safe way for dealing with the many issues that we face in ministry. We are honored to be able to share in navigating the life in ministry with you. It is true, we have never passed this way before, but the Lord knows our way and is with us. Our phone number is confidential for you any time you need us. Blessings on the journey.

 Roger and Pam Childers

(423) 637-018699