Peaks and Valleys
I now wish I’d carried a notebook with me all of those years. Dad was always spot on and knew so much about the dynamics of how churches work. Everyone who knew him knew of his commitment to the Scriptures, his pulsating kindness, and his drive to win souls, but he also was what folks today call a church systems guy. His Doctoral dissertation titled “To Dream the Original Dream” laid out how to re-energize a church grown stagnant.
So, I wish I had just written down the many gems he would drop in conversations. And, to be honest, I wish I had appreciated earlier that he had all of those! But I do remember some. Here is one of my favorites that has often provided me solace: “Churches go through peaks and valleys.” And now, roughly forty years into this, I have found that to be true over and over. A few churches have flourished during this pandemic. A full 2.7% have experienced a surge in offerings and 6.8% have seen MORE responses than normal. But those are obviously the exception. For most - it’s a valley. For many the deepest valley they’ve ever been through congregationally. A significant number were having a great year when COVID-19 came along. And the mountain back is a steep one. Someone said, partially in jest, “we’re all church planters now.”
Here are a few things to consider as you ascend this mountain:
Trust God: God has a greater interest in His church doing well than any of us do. He has a long-term (i.e. eternal), vested (He gave His Son) fiduciary (He is responsible for it) interest in “your church.” He who gave His blood for this Body, who purchased it, who established it for the good and the salvation of people, has promised that it will not cease (Matthew 16:18) and that He will ultimately deliver it to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24). To all the naysayers and uber-pessimist out there, repent of your lack of faith, the church isn't going away. The future is as bright as the promises of God. Few things in this ascent back up are as essential as an optimistic spirit, remember, we are people of faith! Have some.
Speak to those present, not about those absent: It had been a particularly tough stretch, we were in the deepest valley we’d been in. There was confusion, division, immaturity, and people were taking sides. And souls were being neglected as the church floundered. And, then the elders did my annual review. Those men loved me and wanted me to be the best I could be. So they said: “Stop preaching to who is not here.” They explained to me that I was trying to answer those who had left and those folks were not even there to hear it. They said: “The people who are here, want to be here. Teach them. Help them.” So, even in this time when many are listening online, preach to, instruct, reprove those present not those who are not there. Yes, some it certainly appears need to wait to return, but still celebrate those who have returned!
Believe what you shutdown for: We were not shut down by a tyrannical government singling out Christians for persecution. Had that been the case I imagine every church would have continued to strive to meet face-to-face during this time. Most every leadership as they have worked their “coming back together” time has emphasized, come back when it is safe for you and your family. Some of your folks are convinced they are protecting their family by not coming back, some have been petrified by the news and never get out, and some have been told by their doctors to not come back. It certainly appears it will be 12-18 months before restrictions are lifted for a number. If a member was going through cancer treatment and their immune system was compromised or they were quarantined your leaders who encourage them to stay home. If “your” church shut-down over health concerns and some still carry those health concerns do not get frustrated that they have not come back.
Celebrate each return: Invest in each person. Let each person know how happy you are to see them and what they add to the comeback. Let each return be a grand reunion!
Be prepared for setbacks: What is the plan should the supposed coming second wave hit? Surely this has taught us that it could happen - since, you know, it did. I’m not sure any of us could have anticipated this. BUT do as much proactive planning as you can.
Don’t, don’t, don’t live in the past: The temptation is going to come to live in the past. I’m hearing from most that it will be mid-to-late 2021 before we are back to normal in public gatherings. If we spend all our time talking about the glory days we will discourage those who are trying to live to the max NOW. I remember one church I worked with that hit 500 for the first time in over 30 years but some reacted to that milestone by saying, “yeah, but I remember when we were 1,000 every Sunday.” Talk about deflating your sails. Don’t live in the past. What if this Sunday was your last? You’d want it to be memorable for every good thing. It is very easy to be pulled down into the talk of the glory days-gone-by, don’t you’ll only pull yourself and those around you down.
I pray this is of some help to you and that you’ll come back strong! The view from the top of the mountain is always worth the climb! Enjoy the journey.