In many sports, injuries are more frequent in the latter stages of a game. Why is that? I’m not a physiology expert, but the simple explanation is that the accumulated fatigue makes the athlete’s muscles less resilient and therefore more susceptible to injury. 

No leader can avoid making mistakes. But taking a page from the sports world, you can improve your chances for success. How?

• Ask for a sub. Substitutes are a normal and necessary part of the game in team sports. A sub brings fresh energy and allows other players to rest so that they can be at their best when they return. Can you allow a sub to take some of the leadership tasks off your shoulders?
• Recognize signs of fatigue. There isn’t a formula to determine when an athlete needs to take a break. That decision depends on the awareness of the athlete (or the coach). What signs let you know when you’re pushing too hard? Does someone close to you have permission to speak up when you need a break?
• Play your role. Some people run out of energy sooner than they should because they’re trying to do their job and someone else’s. It doesn’t work for an athlete to play several positions at the same time, and it won’t work for you either.
• Use time off the field wisely. Have you noticed an athlete on the sideline riding an exercise bike or getting attention from a trainer? They’re not doing it because they have nothing better to do. They’re doing it so that they can get back in the game. What changes do you need to make so that your time off is restorative?

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Like all of you, I’ve spent a lot of time the last month in video meetings and phone calls. Most of mine have been with pastors and other ministry leaders as they try to navigate our new reality. As you might expect, the early conversations focused on the shift to online worship, the best ways to minister virtually, and plans for Holy Week. 

Now that we’ve addressed those initial challenges (sometimes more successfully than others), leaders are asking, “What’s next?” I don’t have a crystal ball, but in this blog I will share some of what I am learning and guessing as we all try to peer into the future. 

When will we gather again? And what will “gathering” look like?

The curve seems to be flattening, and a growing number of leaders are talking about restarting the economy. But don’t assume that the reopening of businesses or an easing of “stay at home” directives means that we will return to the way things were in January. In particular, it seems likely that some amount of social distancing will still be encouraged, and large gatherings will be discouraged or banned. 

Even if you’re allowed to gather for worship, will church members be willing to do so? Sure, everyone is tired of being isolated, but they may not take the risk of being in a large group. So think about what a phased approach could look like. For example, one friend suggested that the first step may be for small groups to gather in homes for online worship services. And when you do gather corporately, what extra precautions will you need to take? 

What will (or should) change permanently?

A variety of experts believe the pandemic will cause permanent social changes. So what changes should we anticipate or even encourage? For me, three immediately come to mind. First, the hunger for connection that people have felt while isolated can be a catalyst for a stronger small group experience. We should be ready to respond to this opportunity. Second, we should simplify ministry models by not restarting the programs and activities that were barely missed during the shutdown. Third, every ministry should be prepared to operate on a leaner budget (see below).

Your list may be completely different. But as I said in my previous blog, now is the time to take note of changes you want to make on the other side of this crisis. 

What new ministry needs will arise?

Internet searches related to prayer, peace, and good news have all skyrocketed. There are also alarming reports about the impact that social distancing is having on people whose mental health or family dynamics are fragile. In other cases, people have postponed memorial services or not been able to say good-bye to loved ones in healthy ways. And then there are medical professionals, first responders, grocery workers, and others who have been living with constant stress during the pandemic. 

I don’t know how this will translate into practical ministry in the months ahead, but I am confident that it won’t be “business as usual.” Will you be prepared for these new needs? How can you equip the people in your church to be the hands and feet of Christ to respond to the post-pandemic trauma that their neighbors and co-workers have experienced?

How will our finances be impacted?

I have been encouraged to hear stories of congregations in which contributions are ahead of last year, thanks to one or two generous donors. In many other cases, however, contributions have dropped by 25% or more. And in every conversation, leaders are bracing for a difficult year. 

With the dramatic number of job losses and the sudden drop in the stock market, it is hard to imagine anything other than a difficult financial year. So let me remind you of three realities in times such as this. First, even in this “bad economy,” America is a wealthy nation. In most of our congregations, there are people who still have substantial resources. Second, an economic slump creates a scarcity mentality. Even the people who are in good shape financially will tend to worry and hold onto their resources. Third, every other ministry and non-profit is making their financial needs clearly known. Silence from you implies all is well. 

What are the implications for your church or ministry? You need a communication plan that acknowledges the broader economic realities while explaining your needs and demonstrating that you are being wise stewards. 

How do we to take care of our staff?

In one conversation after another, I have heard about the hard work of staff members who have quickly pivoted to provide excellent and creative ministry in this challenging season. But I have also gotten glimpses into how difficult this is for many of those individuals – a single parent trying to work full-time from the house while also homeschooling two children; a tech/media person who has been slammed with a 200% increase in workload; a pastor who feels on call 24/7 more than ever before and yet less able to be pastoral due to the limitations of remote ministry.

If you are a senior pastor or executive pastor (or other leader) of a multi-staff organization, one of your most important jobs right now is to look after your staff. They want transparency about finances and future plans, but they mostly need to be cared for. Be their pastor by checking on them, listening to them, and praying with them. Pay attention to ones who are close to burnout and look for ways to reduce their load. Express your appreciation for their hard work. Be attentive to the personal challenges they are dealing with. 

I started this blog with the statement that I don’t have a crystal ball. But I am confident that addressing these questions will better prepare you for whatever lies ahead.