The opinions about what a church should do and how a church should navigate the COVID-19 crisis are as numerous as the people who attend church. They include, “Let’s start back to worship at 100% capacity today,” “We should proceed with caution,” and “We should not attempt to gather indoors for worship until there is a treatment or vaccine.” As a result, wrestling with decisions for next steps within a church is a challenge.
Last night I met with our deacons and told them that no matter what decision we make, we will be right and wrong all at the same time.
Obviously, there are times when decisions are moral decisions and the answer is black and white. Should you cheat on your spouse? No. Should you steal from your job? No. Should you share the gospel? Yes.
But, often times in leadership, the decisions we are forced to make are not moral decisions, but directional decisions. “Should we begin at 8:15 or 8:30?”, “Which social media platform should we use to communicate to our people? “, and “How bright should the stage lighting be?” are all important questions, but they are not moral questions. As a result, questions like these are often more difficult because there is not a clear right and wrong.
Does anyone really care what color the stage lights are? Maybe, maybe not, but your tech team cares whether or not you make a decision and give them some direction. Does it matter if you communicate on Facebook or Instagram? Probably not, but you better let your people know how you plan to communicate with the so that they can follow along for updates and information.
Leaders are called to lead and leading means making decisions. As it relates to worship services within our church, some people will be thrilled if we choose to remain outdoors for the next three months. Others will be frustrated if we choose to endure the July and August heat outdoors in Camden, SC. Neither decision is morally superior to the other, but either decision will be judged right by some and wrong by others.
Pastors, deacons, and other church leaders. Step up and lead. Prayerfully seek the Lord. Run to his word. Build consensus among your leaders, but don’t wait too long. Even people who don’t like the direction of their leadership will follow leaders who will make a decision. Don’t be wishy washy. Make decisions, make contingency plans, communicate them well, and execute your plans. You will discover that people are more happy moving in a direction not of their choosing than in sitting still spinning their wheels.
If God has called you to shepherd his people, then honor him and them by doing the job. Lead God’s people. You will often be right and wrong, but as long as you are moving forward, you will still be the leader and you are still being faithful. And, when all is said and done, being faithful to God’s calling is your number one priority.
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Amen Craig!
Very true. While my boss is very forgiving, it is still my job to discern what his will is, not mine. At the same time, I believe Elders are charged with making decisions – not for – rather on behalf of the congregation based on the narrow path Jesus made for us. A long time ago I learned how to make decisions and how to be a good decision maker. The key is to suppress my need to be right. If I don’t have to be right, I can easily change my mind and make a new decision to get back on course.