For me to lead well during [ COVID ], I had to stay positive and be the lead encourager for our staff and our people . I also spent quite a bit of time working out so I would stay in good physical shape . Challenges always brings opportunities , and I tried to keep our focus off the challenges and on the opportunities . — Dr . Jimmy D . Pritchard
" It ’ s hard to change the habits of an 85-year-old church ! Sometimes an outside force is needed , if not entirely wanted . We keep saying COVID-19 ' broke the box .' Now , we ’ re forced to think outside of it ." — Sarah Taylor
We ’ ve always said the church budget is more of a flexible ( versus fixed ) plan , and 2020 pushed that viewpoint to the limit . We ’ ve worked hard to encourage the church to continue to give in faith , and they ’ ve overwhelmingly responded . Our staff has also stepped up by adjusting their budgets to the new normal . God has blessed us by meeting and exceeding all our needs and at the same time increasing our reach into our community , our state , and the world . During this pandemic , we ’ ve even partnered with a great group of people to plant Storyline Church in St . Louis . All praise to God !
Bobby Hart : God ’ s faithfulness shone brightly this year , in spite of the pandemic . Expenses were down because churches didn ’ t meet nearly as much in 2020 . But giving remained relatively unchanged , revealing members ’ faithfulness and the Lord ’ s provision for His church .
How about managing the church staff ? What lessons were learned under pressure ?
Pritchard : We actually added three new staff members during the pandemic . The biggest issue was to keep everyone encouraged and motivated to press on into new ways of doing ministry . Several innovative strategies emerged , especially in the areas of children ’ s ministry and church tech .
Coughran : COVID-19 is disrupting people ’ s lives and creating anxiety , fear and hardship . Our staff aren ’ t immune . It ’ s easy to do ministry when everything is going well , but it ’ s much harder when things get difficult . Hardships hit home , and maybe our faith is even tested . Our senior leadership team is paying close attention to making sure our staff is healthy , both physically and spiritually . Providing clear communication and affirming that their safety is a priority , plays a significant role in easing stress . Our staff has been operating under an “ all-in ” mindset , and it has been beautiful to watch them care for each other and make sure all bases are covered as we navigate the ups and downs .
Kautzky : Our staff ’ s creativity and determination to make a 100-percent virtual Sunday service is nothing short of a miracle . We ’ ve improved the quality on a weekly basis and look forward to new studio spaces in late February to further elevate the experience . The development of brand-new Christmas experiences ( caroling and a drive-thru nativity ) allowed us to share the story of Jesus with several thousand people without anyone leaving the safety of their vehicles . Through it all , we ’ ve seen staff rise to the occasion , exhibit their unique gifts , and engage various teams , including volunteers .
Wilson : We were already in a somewhat disrupted state when the pandemic hit . Our lead pastor of 11 years resigned in January ; we began our search for a new pastor in February ; March brought the pandemic . I was immediately tasked to lead the church through this transition . Our church council ( elders ) has also been instrumental in providing leadership . During the pandemic , we ’ ve taken the opportunity to reevaluate our staff and their roles . Some positions were eliminated . We created new positions meeting new and future needs . We even decided to move from one church database system to another . Staggered work schedules , constantly changing children ’ s schooling requirements , and meeting individuals ’ and families ’ needs have been a constant priority . Through it all , it has been wonderful to watch everyone step up and take on new tasks , pull together to minister virtually through worship and small groups , and engage our community in ways we never dreamed . Yes , this has been a time of disruption . But we ’ ve also done some realigning .
Hart : Our church employs many part-time employees who are critical for keeping things running when the church is in full operation . We aren ’ t used to being shut down and looking for things for people to do , but the new normal has allowed us to focus on members and stay in touch better than before . That has certainly been a blessing in disguise and a pivot that was divinely directed .
Phil Taylor : Our staff has risen to the many challenges 2020 presented . No longer were conversations about online services and engagement or how , theoretically , to restructure certain departments . We were becoming an online congregation , which meant restructuring every area of our church in real time . Encouraging the staff to keep moving forward at warp speed — and not collapse under the pressure — has been a great balancing act .
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