I owe a debt of gratitude to our local pastors and leaders who, no doubt, are a little exhausted navigating the present terrain to make a difference for the kingdom of God. Pastor, your church and community can’t say it often enough, “We open our heart to you and say, 'Thank you.’” God is working through you as you point your body of believers to Jesus. We have sensed God’s presence because of your faithfulness. And Pastor, you have modeled what it means to believe with your whole heart that His grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made perfect even in your weakness.  The following is a summary of the present state of our local churches. 
 

On April 8 & 9, pastors met by zone via video conferencing where they were asked how they and their churches are navigating COVID-19. Pastors shared about their physical, emotional, and spiritual health and the significant tasks consuming their pastoral time. We were interested in their perspective of the trajectory of this disruption (are you worried or encouraged?). Today, America labors under the threat of fear, isolation, sadness, confusion, and despair. We were interested in the major themes of the Pastoral messages. All but ten pastors participated. Four were engaged in secular employment. Three work as first-responders. Here is a summary of the dialogue.

1.  Overall, our churches were doing great. We did not identify any members with COVID-19.  Some pastors suffered respiratory problems but tested negative for the pandemic. Thank you, Lord!

2.  Social Interaction. All congregations were seriously missing their corporate meetings but are mainly adjusting to the new reality. Many pastors sensed the necessity for presence in the lives of their constituents more than ever before. Primarily, this required more emotional and physical energy. Generally, pastors were communicating to the church 3 to 5 times a week. Some added drive-in parking lot communion and Easter services, all respecting local laws. Many senior adults are not digitally capable of receiving visual media services. Therefore, some pastors resorted to conference calls. Some pastors developed interactive Bible studies, tied Sunday messages to small group curriculum, conducted new believers’ classes, and participatory exercises such as “show me your Easter lily” on Facebook. Most pastors were learning new technology, adapting their delivery style to fit into a new medium, and learning how to acclimate content to the online world. Because the daily presence of the church is significant in the life of the member, some pastors strategically networked their congregation into several small groups led by leaders, accountable weekly to the Pastor. Church groups launched telephone trees and card ministries. Many realized that their folks might gravitate to “better” presentations over their church. Some pastors noted a complacency or boredom with social media after the novelty for them wore off. Additional questions encumbered ministries to the homeless. Overall, the task to ensure congregation engagement remains paramount. 

3.  Digital Reach. On average, churches expanded their exposure by five to seven times their Sunday Morning attendance. Some pastors of small churches were reaching several thousand participants who stayed connected for at least 75% of the Sunday Service. Counting attendance is complicated by those who tune in for a brief time to those who visit a recorded service later that month. 

4.  Funerals, weddings, and baptisms. Government mandates required Weddings and Baptisms canceled and funerals limited in attendance. One pastor preached a funeral service five times for a group of five to meet country restrictions. The inability to perform these services weighed heavily on pastors. 

5.  Stewardship.  Many members are facing job loss or layoffs, especially those in service-oriented employment. At least three modes of giving were necessary: online, snail mail, or hand delivery. In some cases, financial generosity was up or at typical levels. Most churches were at 70% of average income, while other fellowships are underwater financially because of their sole dependence on cash offerings. Several pastors noted that volunteerism was up. 

6.  Compassion. Many churches have converted their food and worship ministry to drive-up box-meal distribution. Several churches were feeding 50 to 100 desperate families, and as much as 360 to 500 per week. Funding is a significant problem for inner-city churches. 

7.  Message Themes. Many indicated that their weekly sermon development is in line with the church calendar. The season of lent, emphasizing the experience of suffering endured by Christ, gave ample opportunity to make an application to today’s world. Many pastors sensed a chance to address congregational complacency and individualism. Pastors prayed that members would recognize Jesus in their midst of anxiety. When God is with us, there is always hope.
 

Please carve out daily time to intercede to God for your Pastor, your church, and other churches. May God bless your generosity of time, giftedness for ministry, and financial support. I’m so proud of the loving labor of our pastors and churches.

Tom Taylor, District Superintendent.