{"id":31244,"date":"2022-09-10T15:22:42","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:22:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-covid-19-problems-that-worsened-for-pastors-this-summer\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:22:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:22:42","slug":"5-covid-19-problems-that-worsened-for-pastors-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/5-covid-19-problems-that-worsened-for-pastors-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 COVID-19 Problems That Worsened for Pastors This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Andrea Piacquadio photo – Pexels<\/div>\n

By Aaron Earls<\/em><\/p>\n

As the nation confronts a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, several issues have become problematic for more churches since spring.<\/p>\n

The latest round of Lifeway Research studies on the coronavirus\u2019 impact on churches and pastors identified at least five struggles that became more pronounced since April.<\/p>\n

Disunity, conflict and complaints<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In April, 8% of pastors said they were facing disagreement and complaints within their congregation. By July, that number had jumped to 27%.<\/p>\n

Wrestling with the disunity and division in their church is now the top concern for pastors.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m feeling the pressure of helping the congregation to have love and grace for one another with the varying viewpoints of how to respond to this virus,\u201d said one pastor.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBoth groups feel passionate about their views,\u201d said another pastor, \u201cso my pressure is trying to respond to both without being dismissive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another reported pressure to violate public health orders, while another said that at least two key families are refusing to come to church because the church is following the state\u2019s mask requirement.<\/p>\n

One pastor summed it up: \u201cNo matter what we choose to do for safety, or choose not do, we are told by some group that it’s too much or not enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Safety of members<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the spring, few churches were meeting, so most pastors weren\u2019t faced with the possibility of members catching COVID-19 while attending a worship service.<\/p>\n

In July, around 7 in 10 churches held in-person services, and pastors began to worry about church members safety.<\/p>\n

Previously, few pastors mentioned the issue, but now it\u2019s the third most mentioned pressure point (13%).<\/p>\n

One pastor said, \u201cTrying to watch out for the well-being of attendees and guard our testimony in the community is paramount.\u201d<\/p>\n

The additional precautions put in place to ensure the safety of the congregation is adding to an already full schedule, according to another pastor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI pray that no one gets this horrible virus,\u201d said one pastor.<\/p>\n

Uncertainty and the need for wisdom and direction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite being further along, more pastors are saying they\u2019re struggling with the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic now (12%) than said the same in April (7%).<\/p>\n

Numerous pastors voiced unease at what seems to be a \u201cholding pattern\u201d for much of their ministry. One pastor lamented only being able to plan a few weeks at a time.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do we determine when it’s safe, right, and proper to go back to normal services?\u201d one pastor asked. \u201cOur people look to us for answers and wisdom. It\u2019s hard to know what’s best.\u201d<\/p>\n

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See also  What Do Churchgoers Want to Change About Their Churches?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Many pastors simply asked for someone to pray for them to have wisdom to make the right decisions for their congregation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re waiting for the next shoe to drop,\u201d said one pastor, noting that their church had five different plans in place depending on what happens.<\/p>\n

Spurring discipleship and evangelism<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This spring, pastors were still trying to figure things out themselves or they thought the pandemic would clear out quickly, but now that it stretches on, they\u2019re thinking more about discipleship and evangelism in this new context.<\/p>\n

Previously few pastors expressed concern directly about discipleship and evangelism among church members. Now, however, 8% say that’s a top concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need more effective outreach, or we won\u2019t survive as a church,\u201d said one pastor.<\/p>\n

Another said, \u201cMy major concern is how to reach the unchurched. Social media can only go so far without face-to-face contact.\u201d<\/p>\n

One pastor said their church needs to multiply the number of disciple-makers, as there’s a \u201cneed to reconnect a large portion of the congregation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Concern members will return<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite the majority of churches holding in-person services, many churchgoers are still attending digitally and not physically due to health and safety concerns.<\/p>\n

Now pastors are beginning to worry about when church members will actually return (6%), when few were concerned in April.<\/p>\n

One pastor noted that due to the lack of children\u2019s ministry activities, a number of young families have disengaged from the church.<\/p>\n

Several pastors spoke about the new online viewing habits that previously faithful attenders were developing and worried those would continue beyond the pandemic.<\/p>\n

Some even worried that churchgoers were getting out of the habit of even watching the services online.<\/p>\n

One pastor simply asked, \u201cAre attenders going to come back?\u201d<\/p>\n

What issues have worsened at your church over the summer? How can others be in prayer for the congregation and ministry in which you serve?<\/em><\/p>\n

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Aaron Earls<\/h2>\n

@WardrobeDoor<\/p>\n

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Aaron is a writer for LifewayResearch.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n