I have observed four distinct phases during this COVID-19 pilgrimage.

Phase One – Pandemic Panic! Is this the scourge to end the world?  And, more immediate:  Am I capable of leading this unavoidable mad dash to ‘virtual church?’  Most Pastors did a remarkable job of pivoting quickly. 

Phase Two – “I am weary! How long will I have to maintain this pace?”  These feelings are normal, the result of the initial adrenalin rush of ‘fight or flight’ dissipating. Most Pastors simply ‘toughed it out’ during this phase.

Phase Three – Acquiescence!  There comes a certain acceptance of the inevitability of circumstances beyond our control. Human ingenuity and resilience allow us to develop a ‘new normal’ and function relatively well within it.

Phase Four – The current phase:  Uncertainty!  When we are told what to do by the authorities above us, we may balk at the dictates, but we also find, within the mandate, a handy excuse for why we must lead in a certain way.

Now, in June, the restrictions are being lifted but the imminent threat is still present.  We are required to lead, not by political dictates, but by personal decisions. Furthermore, we are asked to make those decisions on the basis of ambiguous and sometimes convoluted data.  Should we, or should we not regroup as a Congregation?  What form or format should that take? Can congregational dynamics be maintained under the required guidelines and in the face of potential health concerns?  What does a Church look like when it can’t hug, can’t sing, can’t share common meals, can’t ‘schmooze’ in the lobby? What about personal or corporate liability if an outbreak of COVID-19 should occur under my jurisdiction?  In some cases, boards are divided on what measures should be taken. How should I respond to them?

Add to this the fact that, according to the data gathered by one of our larger Churches, 50% of the people are uncomfortable with reconvening.  Furthermore, health authorities are sounding the precautionary warning of another autumn outbreak of COVID-19. Will we reassemble only to be pushed back into quarantine again?

From my observation, this phase of ‘uncertainty’ is placing a greater  amount of pressure on Pastors than any of the previous phases has done. Uncertainty destabilizes us and causes us to second-guess. We can even lose our ‘joi de vie’ along with our leadership moorings.

Maybe you find yourself in the predicament I have described. Here are FIVE solid and certain anchor points to help you recalibrate.

1.   There is no uncertainty with God.   ‘As He was and is, so shall He be.’  The plans of God have been established from before the foundations of the earth and they will unfold exactly as He intended.  Jesus is the Author and ‘Finisher’ of our faith.  His Word is forever settled in heaven. I play an important, but relatively minor part in a foolproof cosmic plan. 

2.   The Gospel of Salvation is still the power of God unto salvation. History bears out the truth that the greater the proportion of uncertainty in the earthly kingdom, the faster the advance of God’s Kingdom on earth.  While we may be threading our way through the immediate church maze with no clearly visible path, Jesus is changing lives around the Globe at an amazing rate.

3.   There is nothing that can stop the advance of the Church.  Two thousand years of adversity, many times accompanied by stark uncertainty, has only further entrenched the Church in the world. Despite reports of apathy and apostacy in the West, the Church is stronger in the World today than at any other time in history.  We are a part of something indestructible.  That’s a good star to hitch our wagons to.  The Church will triumph despite the tentativeness of our own decisions. It will continue its successful mission until Jesus presents it ‘glorious’ to the Father.

4.   It will turn out well.  Those of you reading this blog are the ‘ones called according to the purposes of God.’  Because of that, there are irrevocable promises that apply to you.  All things will work together for good if you determine to keep loving the Lord through it all. That is not ‘pie in the sky’ well wishing.  That is solid, New Testament theology.  Keep loving the Lord, even when the fog has settled in.  It will ultimately go well with you and with those you serve.

5.   He will direct our paths.  I have made decisions in the darkness at various points in my life, stepping out in a place of uncertainty.  I have prayed about my decisions, tried to apply common sense, and then simply made a choice.  Often, days, months, even years later it becomes apparent to me God was directing me in my choice.  The decision I thought was made in uncertainty had been prompted and directed by God all along. The thesis is solid: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, don’t lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your path.”  Take that to the bank.

I would encourage you to not spend a copious amount of time nor focus on the uncertainties around you, but to anchor yourself in these eternal certainties. They were here before COVID-19 and will be here long after it is only a memory.

Find your place of quiet rest near to the heart of God. The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR