Ridgell's Originals

This is a really hard time for church leaders.  I know there are things that weigh heavily upon their mind.  Some vital issues.  Some that maybe should not be but because of circumstances really are.

so here are a few of the things weighing heavily on the minds, hearts, and souls of your church leaders.

Are my people OK?  You can call and use social media, but it is not the same as really checking on people.  Your old people.  Your single Moms.  Your first responders.  They dying.  Those that mourn. 

Money is a big deal right now.  Members are getting near desperation now.  Businesses are going to close.  Jobs have been, and will be, lost.  Debt is going to pile up.  Income is severely cut for many of your members.  How do you help them? 

Collection.  OK, this is the last thing you want them worried about, but it is a reality. Because churches have bills too.  Ministers want their paycheck.  Building debt is not waived.  Missionary support.  Utility bills for unused buildings.  And contributions are down.  Some because it is not convenient any more.  Some not giving because they are scared or nervous.  Some not giving at the rate they were because they do not have it now.  And some because they are using their resources to help family members, neighbors, and others.

Buildings.  Most churches have a lot invested in the building.  I am not debating whether that is a good or bad thing.  It is a reality.  Do you keep cleaning it if it is not being used?  If you pay someone to clean it, do you keep paying them? 

Staff.  Preachers are stressed.  Social media.  On-line assemblies.  It is not easy.  How long can they keep doing church on-line as if it were in person.  Is our congregation going to become even more accustomed to spectator church? How long before some of our members decide the church that is doing it well is a better fit than my little church?  And if they see the contribution numbers, it can be scary.  Most of your ministers get paid by the church.  What happens if this goes much longer?

Future.  Not just what everything looks like in a few weeks months years.  Or whenever.  Will our people come back.  How do we manage the finances.  And on and on it goes.  But even more, what do your leaders want the future to look like?  Think thru the whole buildings/possessions issue.  But if you want to do something different, what?  And how?  Is this a time to rethink the professional minister model?  What would a different model look like?  More evangelists?  And what is the responsibility for those ministers under the current model?

It is a little like asking our leaders to envision what a new water system should look like when the old dam is springing leaks everywhere.  Strategic thinking is hard in crisis. 

So I pray for church leaders. I don't have all the answers.  And neither do they.  And neither do you.

But I am confident God will bring something great out of this. 

We could be on the verge of an incredible opportunity to share Jesus.  I anticipate real growth for the churches that do figure it out.  Maybe some of this was needed so we can remember the real mission of purpose of Christians/church.

Seek and save the lost.

I would write more but I have someone coming over (at a distance of several feet) to talk about Jesus stories as they try and decide to follow him or not.

That is something I can do.  And maybe that is the only answer that really matters.

God please bless the shepherds of your flock.  Give them wisdom, faith, and courage to lead.  do something great thru us and with us.  In the name of your Son whom we follow.