On an Oct. 2nd in seminary we didn’t give directions on how to deal with a pandemic. Nor on an October 17 did we give a detailed lecture on how many sandbags to use when flood waters rise. My friend and I talked recently about what we did do in seminary. We emphasized ecclesial leadership in context. This pandemic is our context in this time and in this place: locally and globally.
I recall year after year, in Church and Ministry/Church Administration class, students writing case studies on their ministry experiences. The hundreds I read and each one we discussed followed a pattern that might serve us as pastors, deacons and congregational leaders now: (I’ll supply some examples)
1. What is happening here? What are the Issues? Global pandemic. Unknown virus. Directives from various levels of government. How and when to “open up.” More. . .
2. Who are the many people involved? What are their various perspectives? The most vulnerable (They are not objects. How do we listen to their voices?) Small business owners. Homeless people. Essential workers. Church members longing to be together. Inmates and refugees. The people of New Zealand and Rwanda. More. . .
3. What are the deeper theological issues? Human uncertainty. The nature of God, e.g. Protector? “Fear,” “Love,” and “Trust” (catechetical questions). What other gods do people follow? What is church (ecclesiology)? Where is the Church as Body of Christ? Did God create disposable people? More. . .
4. What ministry options do we have? Protect my family, and all people. Do nothing and see what happens. Be the church beyond walls. Be creative with technology. Care for the care-givers. Provide leadership in the community. Explore who else needs ministry. More. .
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I invite you to engage in discussion. too. What ecclesial leadership are you experiencing? What ministry opportunities?
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