But, I thought it was over

As we return little by little, so far it appears most congregations of over 100 are at about 50% their pre-Covid-19 numbers after about 2-4 weeks back, there are still challenges ahead. In fact, some of these challenges may be more daunting than what we have already seen. How soon do we come back? Could it be too soon? What if someone who has attended tests positive? How many services do you have and how do you determine who goes to what? When do you start Bible classes back and how? How do you handle the riff between the mask wearers and those who refuse to wear masks? How much pressure do you put on people to return and when does that pressure begin? How do you minister to a congregation that is present without neglecting those who for health reasons remain at home online? How much focus do you put on the “at home” audience as the “in person” audience grows? What do you do when your own elders conflict on the best answers to all of these? 

With most of these questions there are multiple possible approaches, with many of them there is not necessarily a black and white answer, with all of them careful navigation becomes essential. I can see how there might be times you’re going to be tempted to throw in the towel, throw your hands in the air, throw all caution to the wind - and quit. I don’t know that WE have seen a more wearisome time to be in ministry or a time that is more perplexing. 

It’s rather wearying, You didn’t get in ministry for this. Or did you? 

We really did. We got in it for the long haul. We got in it while counting the cost. We got in it to serve come what may. We got in it to make full proof of our ministry. We got in it to finish! So, as pressures mount and conflicts swirl - remember God loves you and is with you. Be true to Him and trust His Word. He will not let you down and you will thrive! Don’t quit you are needed now more than ever.