One of the challenges that a lot of ministries are facing during COVID–19 is what it looks like to serve our people virtually. Our minds tend to gravitate toward providing more content–Bible Studies, updates, activities, things to keep our minds busy and engaged with the Word.
But the hard truth is that our people don’t need more ‘content’ right now. That’s not to say that what a student minister is creating is just ‘content’ during this time. Still, it’s undoubtedly different, creating video-based content for home viewing vs. building relationships during Life Groups, etc. One of the things that all pastors and ministry leaders need to recognize is they provide more value than just information. They are bridges for community and relationships.
In the past few years, much of our work has gone digital. We plan events with digital registration forms; we send emails about ministry news, etc. I’ve been around offices where if their computer stops working or the internet is out, someone will comment: “I can’t do my work now.” If your ministry work is based on having access to technology, then you’ve got the wrong idea of ministry. If you suddenly lose access to technology, you then have plenty enough time to stop and pray for the people in your church. That same idea should extend to COVID–19. You aren’t the content you create for people to consume. God has placed you in your ministry role to shepherd people. If, for a season, you aren’t able to meet with them, don’t focus on just creating more ways to share information. Step back and think: how can I use this time to do something I usually don’t do?
Ministry during COVID–19 is an opportunity to spend a lot more time in prayer and solitude, to ask God to bless your ministry, to pray for people individually, to grow in your faith, and to slow down the pace of your busy life. We may learn a lot about what ministry activities bring in a real return on investment. Instead of spending hours and hours coming up with ways to promote your event, why not spend hours and hours in prayer, asking God to bring the people that need to hear His message to that event?
Spend time praying that God would soften the hearts of the people who need to listen to the Gospel instead of planning to create an ‘engaging environment.’ If anything is evident during this pandemic, it’s that God doesn’t need us to spread the Gospel. We need to continue seeking God to move among His people instead of merely brainstorming new ways to ‘engage’ with people.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
