Three Ways To Lead Your Church Out Of Crisis

by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader

There comes a point, part way through a crisis, when effective leadership dramatically influences the near future in churches. I was reminded of this in a consultation with a pastor this week. Their church is splintering due to denominational schism, leaving the church wounded, disoriented, and unstable. Clearly, they are not ready to do visioning or strategic planning for the next three years. Instead, they need guidance right here and right now, stopping the bleeding and then moving ahead.

How many churches find themselves moving through volatility right now? We could describe the many contributors to an environment of angst, yet that’s really not necessary, since we are all living it as we speak.

As aforementioned, this is where and when a short list of key leadership moves really helps congregations, these three in particular.

First, center down in our faith.

This is the perfect time to ask, “What do we know, deep in our bones, about God and God’s ways with us when we are moving through something like this?” I would love to give you my answers, yet this question calls up the faith in one another. We can imagine table conversations in fellowship halls, Life Group or Sunday School class discussions, sermons, Bible studies, newsletter articles, videos….almost any possible venue wherein we can ask and then answer with our faith statements which serve to empower us for the living through the current circumstances.

Second, make an actionable plan for forward movement.

A short list of actionable proactive moves provides direction, and raises energy, confidence and hope. For example, your church may have combined two worship services into one due to crisis outcomes. The unexpected benefit is greater critical mass in worship, enlivening the experience. Your ministry plan then may include inviting neighbors to join you in worship, given the good energy rising up there. Another church I know of decided the leadership would connect with every person involved, checking in with them on how they are doing and what needs they may have. This took time, yet was an actionable and helpful plan that made a difference.

So make a short list, dare we say “strategic plan,” even if the plan is to plan to make a plan. Don’t underestimate the power of a short-term tangible action plan.

Third, communicate far more than you believe is necessary.

During a crisis, many of us are isolated, or at least feel like we are. Ramping up church communication itself is an excellent leadership activity during these times. Whatever level of communication we believe is sufficient… multiply it by three and we are moving closer to what’s effective. Communication hunger grows during crises, so we serve our people well when we meet that need.

These three leadership moves are not overly sophisticated, but they are powerful. Pursue them and you may notice

• Hope in the present and for the future rising

• Activity and energy channeling into productive movement due to clear guidance

• Increased trust in leadership due to the credibility earned through effective leadership during crises

And who among us would not appreciate these?

May we use what we know to ride the river with God’s church, navigating faithfully and effectively when in the rapids. When we do so, it’s funny how the rapids grow less intimidating and influential due to the benefits of effective congregational leadership.