Each year that I’ve been in ministry, I’ve always treated the first of July as a new beginning in ministry. Typically summer programming is not as intense as is the case during the school year, so I’ve taken time to reflect on my practices over the past twelve months and considered how best to invest myself in the coming year. As I consider the coming year, here are some arenas of ministry that seem worthy of consideration.
Balancing Virtual and In-Person
Now that we are familiar with Zoom, and many congregations became competent, if not proficient, at video conferencing, a new question arises. When do we use a virtual platform and when do we meet in-person. (Of course, due to a lack of internet capacity or congregational discomfort with virtual environments, this is not an issue in some congregations.) Zoom is efficient – there is no commuting time. However, in-person allows casual conversation and a greater sense of connectedness. What is the balance between these two ways of gathering? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid gathering – with both virtual and in-person attendees?
Re-connecting with congregation and community
For some, the new appointment year means a new appointment. For those who find themselves in this situation, the task of getting to know church members and the community are apparent. For those who moved last year at the height of physical distancing, the need to find ways to interact with congregations and communities still makes sense. However, the pandemic has transformed the lives of individuals, families, businesses and communities. Even those who have been in their appointments for several years are facing people whose existence and world view have been altered. In some sense, even though the names and faces are the same, the people have been changed. We all need to get to know each other again. Here are some suggestions of not only gaining knowledge, but demonstrating care and compassion.
- Church: Meet individually or in small groups and discuss how the pandemic has brought changes in their lives. Allow people to share their hopes and fears. This will provide good fodder for pastoral visits and sermon trajectories as you seek to share the gospel in ways that respond to the questions and need of your congregation.
- Community: Stop by local businesses and talk to owners and workers. Canvas the homes by your church or have members speak to their neighbors. Speak with people where you do business. Ask them how the pandemic has affected their lives and what concerns they carry with them. Answers to these questions can help guide the missional efforts of the church in the near future.
Connecting with the Cautious
While many people are embracing the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, others are still wary of fully integrating into pre-pandemic patterns. How do we stay connected with those who are reticent to engage church activities in person? Develop a list to make sure no one is left out. Intentional connections either by a pastor or a member of a lay shepherding team who will connect with persons who are not comfortable being in-person. Porch visits is a nice way to be present that is less risky. This maintains connections of heart and spirit, when embodied presence is not comfortable. Another suggestion was sending out “connection boxes.” Some churches did worship packages for Advent and Lent. A connection box might include devotional material, hands on learning suggestions (especially for children), and highlighted missional opportunities.
Finding Balance
Prior to the pandemic, pastors and churches had full schedules in an in-person world. During the pandemic, pastors and churches filled schedules through virtual opportunities. It is impossible to add these two together without becoming overburdened. We all need to assess the needs of the church and the needs in our own lives to determine which practices can be retained and maintained and which need to celebrated and then let go. We all need healthy rhythms in our lives and Sabbath rest keeps our spirits renewed and vital.
All of us are entering a new world of ministry. Things have changed and they will never return to pre-pandemic times. I don’t see this as a negative. Rather, it seems like a perfect opportunity to recalibrate our lives, our work and our focus. May God grant you wisdom and discernment as you live into this new appointment year.
If you would like to view past editions of Moments with Mike, follow this link: https://corridordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/