Pastors & Post-Pandemic

I was invited to a small gathering of lead pastors from around the Bay Area on Wednesday night (outside) for a time of connection and encouragement.

Many of these prominent leaders reported how difficult the pandemic has been on their churches.

The reports ranged from attendance losses of up to 50%, staff placed on furlough, deep division on issues, and fatigue brought on by virtual meetings, services and a ton of other challenges. It was a sobering time to say the least. 

I had a side conversation with a pastor also serving in Santa Cruz at a newer church that is about our size.

He was almost hesitant to share with me all of the good things that are happening in his church in addition to the challenges.

My face lit up with his report because I felt the same way. So many in our church community has stayed committed to one another, to the church and ultimately the Lord. I shared with him how grateful and proud I am of our church too.

I believe it is has been easier for smaller churches in the pandemic for a number of reasons that I won’t go into here. But I wanted to share this experience with you all.

The challenge of the night was that we need to accept that the pandemic crisis has exposed many things in our churches and leadership. We confessed to one another, prayed with one another and committed to following Jesus into the new ways He is directing his church.

We were very hopeful for the people who have remained connected.

I couldn’t help but believe that all we are learning through Jesus’ story on the Lost Sons (Prodigal) will prove instructive as we grasp the Father’s love for those inside the church as well as those outside. 

I’ll be sharing some of these thoughts in the next couple of weeks and a bit at our Church Life Meeting at the end of the month.

I’m tired of this season of restrictions, but honestly I believe there is much to be hopeful on the horizon for our church on High Street. God has been pruning us and has designed us to be fruitful.

Let’s follow Him….