Dear Pastors of Small and Medium-Sized Churches,
Be of good courage!
In this season of social distancing, I know many of you were/are working furiously to find livestream and video conference options for the church(es) you serve. You had to make a major shift when larger churches just had to pivot. I want you to know that we saw/see that and want to say: Thank you! Well done! We are proud of you! Be encouraged!
A couple of words of encouragement as we enter this season…
First, don’t stress about finding the magic bullet of video software solutions. There are a plethora of options and many companies have made them free for the next six months. Find one you think will work and use it. It will be ok! As a friend of mine said recently, “Don’t let the great be the enemy of the good in these days.” Don’t fret over this.
Second, don’t get caught in the comparison game. As the saying goes, “Comparison if the thief of joy.” You will not compete with the megachurch productions you witnessed on your social media news feed last Sunday (although, even these will change with the CDC’s new suggested guidelines of “no more than 10 people per gathering”). Because you know what? I think this is the season for you and your pastoral leadership. You know your church by name and by personal stories. The months and years of your faithful personal connections have built pastoral trust and relationships. This is exactly what people will need in this season. In other words, you are uniquely gifted and primed for such a time as this. Therefore, do your best to livestream and video conference (removing distractions of course) but do what you have always done, focus on faithfully loving and serving your people and community. We are entering the season of the shepherd, not the CEO and you have all you need to love and care for your church and community.
Be of good courage!
Your call is simple but more important than ever: Love your people. Guide them pastorally. Lead them courageously. Reject comparison. Practice compassion.
And, in all things, do NOT fear! Jesus is with you and He will guide you.
In your corner,
Bryce