The first quarter of 2020 has come in like a thief in the night and has stolen what many Christians saw as the church, its physical campus and corporate worship time. For many leaders, the spirit of fear has crept in due to a lack of finances. Instead of seeing this as a negative, I believe God is helping leaders to connect with his people and his church in new ways. See the crises from an opportunity standpoint, not a loss.
Learn From Others.
The way leaders of the church have done church has changed, but it also has created an opportunity to expand ministry outside the four walls of the church. Learn from what other leaders and churches are doing to connect to their community of believers. Use those tools and adapt them to your context to grow and go beyond this crises and into Christ.
Lean Into Scripture.
Throughout the history of the church, she has been challenged by forces of darkness and evil, and always overcame. Even in the worst oppression, there was a mighty remnant of godly leaders who remained, who, in turn, was used by God to expand his kingdom. I believe deep in my soul today that God is challenging you as a leader in your church to expand the kingdom by using technology and local resources to spread the gospel in new and creative ways. Search the Scriptures and allow the words of the past, to strengthen your present realities.
Love the People.
How are you connecting with your people since you cannot see them each week on campus? Find creative ways to communicate with your people through Zoom, Facebook Live, Instagram pictures of encouragement, postcards, or telephone and text calls. Now more than ever, your people need to know you care. You might not be able to show up physically, but you can connect relationally with the tools created for this time. When you do reach them, don’t focus on the negative, focus on the positive, and share with them the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
Overcoming fear of failure is giving your leadership back over to God, and knowing he will direct you even now amid this storm. Be an encouraged leader today; you can and will make a difference in your local church, and in the broader community, if you use this time to learn from others, lean into Scripture, and love the people like never before.