“Could We Just Talk about Something Else?”
Rev. Debra Griffis-Woodberry, Pinnacle Associate
In March 2020, the Corona Virus inspired new ways of living and doing church. The novelty of it all was exciting to those who are free spirits and like to do new things. The creative folks had fun. Now most clergy are tired. Pastors and other ministry leaders are “zoomed out”, over connected and over worked. Additionally, we are not sure about the future. As I pondered a topic for this newsletter article, of course Covid-19 was the presumed and expected topic. I wager that our readers are asking, “Could we just talk about something else?” While respites from this discussion are possible and encouraged, it is not quite time to change the subject. I claim no new wisdom and I surely do not have material for a “how to manual”. With a nod to David Letterman, I offer a “Top Ten List.”
Things People are saying during the Covid-19 Pandemic
#10. More people have grey hair than we once knew.
#9. I know a virtual background when I see one.
#8. If I drop food on the floor, does the 5 second rule apply during a pandemic?
#7. When can we have covered dish dinners again?
#6. Because I am an introvert, I like sheltering at home.
#5. If it will protect me from the virus, I am willing to drink a Corona.
#4. I like short virtual sermons; how will we fast forward or delete when we return to in-person worship?
#3. I like social distancing because I am not a hugger.
#2. I am finding more time to be spiritual since I do not have to set up, clean up and go to meetings at the church building
And drumroll…. the #1 thing people are saying about the Covid19 pandemic
Church will never again be like it used to be.
Recently, I re-read Henri Nouwen’s, Life of the Beloved. The sub-title is Spiritual Living in a Secular World. Nouwen’s purpose for writing was to help his friend Fred and others find a spiritual wavelength in their lives. They said, “Speak to us about a vision larger than our changing perspectives and about a voice deeper than the clamoring of our mass media. Yes, speak to us about something or someone greater than ourselves, speak to us about…God.” (pg.23)
During these pandemic days, many people have seen church’s live streams, Facebook and Zoom presentations. Some people have logged in to virtual presentations who have never, and maybe never will, come and sit in a pew. Yet, people desire a spiritual wavelength.
A Post Covid-19 Ministry to people in the cyber world is yet another new practice emerging. Already there are how to books being published. Perhaps this is the forum through which people find a spiritual wavelength that can be nurtured and expanded.
It will take courage to enable churches to change radically rather than returning to pre-pandemic ways. It will be liberating to say goodbye to routines and methods and events that are no longer vital. It will be difficult, yet, energizing to greet new ways of being church.
This is a good time to embrace teamwork, to implement ministry based on giftedness and call. It is an excellent time to realize the value of laity and clergy being the church together.
It is clear that clergy and other leaders are tired and would rather talk about something else. The foundational piece of being a relevant Post Covid-19 church is for leaders to take care of themselves. Self- care leads to new energy and direction for all.
Likely the return to in-person worship and study will occur during the Pentecost Season. Watch out world, here comes the church.