The coronavirus outbreak presents our churches with unique challenges. Church leaders must step forward and lead with courage.
My office at church features an enormous, framed picture entitled “The Prayer at Valley Forge.” This inspiring painting by Arnold Friberg depicts General George Washington kneeling in the snow in earnest prayer during the brutal winter of 1777-1778. At this moment, the Continental Army was reeling. Losing to the British was bad enough, but now America’s soldiers were losing to sickness and discouragement. The winter encampment at Valley Forge was bitterly cold, supplies were severely low, and in Philadelphia– some members of Congress were calling for Washington’s removal.
With America’s cause hanging in the balance, George Washington took a knee in the cold snow and pleaded for God’s help. But history shows he did more than pray. Washington rallied his leaders, motivated his soldiers, and solved supply problems.
Fast forward to the present day, where the coronavirus has plunged America—and America’s churches—into an unprecedented crisis. Americans are threatened by disease, and our churches have been forced into “social distancing” and worship service shutdowns. Fear and discouragement are all around us, including the local church.
Surely this is a time for pastors to seek the Lord. But in addition to prayer, pastors must step forward and lead their churches with courage and competence. How can pastors lead their congregations successfully through the COVID-19 crisis?
Consider these seven strategies:
Overcommunicate to your church family.
In a time of crisis, people need to hear their leader’s voice. You won’t have all the answers, but keep your congregation informed as best you can. Communicate often through emails, texts, videos, social media, and other digital platforms. John Maxwell famously said that “People are ‘down’ on what they are not ‘up’ on.” Pastor, unleash every communication platform to keep your church family informed and inspired.
Rally your leaders and make unified decisions.
Proverbs 11:14 says “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” When a crisis strikes, gather your leaders (elders, deacons, or other key decision-makers) and work the problem together. Pray and strategize the best way forward for your local church. This isn’t the time for squabbling or selfish agendas. Ask the Holy Spirit for a spirit of unity (Ephesians 4:3) as your team makes hard decisions.
Triage priorities in order of importance.
Hospital emergency rooms operate on a “triage” system, where the most life-threatening needs are addressed first. In times of crisis, church leaders should adopt a similar strategy. Is there a church member that needs emergency food or medicine? What are the most urgent church expenses? How should offerings be addressed? Sunday School materials can wait, but your church mortgage cannot. Contact your church treasurer and inquire about upcoming expenses. Your church may need to implement a brief spending freeze until the storm passes.
Use solid research— not hearsay or social media.
If we’ve learned anything from the coronavirus outbreak, it’s that there is a swirling ocean of information out there—and not all of it is accurate or helpful. Since you will be forced to make critical decisions, be critical about where you draw information. Social media posts, opinion pieces, and “hearsay” stories should be avoided. Instead, look for official statements and primary sources from federal, state, and local governments.
Prioritize prayer for the entire church congregation.
James 5:16 reminds us that “…the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Christian leaders know the power of prayer, so rally your entire church to the cause! This virus may prohibit an in-person gathering, but you can still invite the church to pray together at certain times. Send out prayer requests digitally or host an online prayer meeting. Get creative and be innovative. But whatever you do, unleash the power of prayer in your congregation!
Model faith not fear.
As the coronavirus spreads, millions of people will find themselves paralyzed with fear, and Christians are not immune. In times of trouble, your responsibility is to remind people of God’s sovereignty over all things. His power, love, and grace are never in doubt! Be careful not to give false hope about timing or outcomes, but keep proclaiming God’s care and protection (Psalm 91). While the secular world shakes, believers stand secure in the Lord (Psalm 46).
Maintain the vision.
Imagine a sledgehammer striking a table full of LEGO bricks. The shockwave scatters the pieces in a thousand directions! Something similar happens in people’s hearts during a crisis. Knowing this, the wise pastor reminds his people that even in a calamity, they still have a purpose as ambassadors for Jesus. The Bible declares that loving God, loving our neighbor, and spreading the gospel message is our mission in every season. God will bring us together again, but until He does— we are scattered to do ‘gospel-good’ (Ephesians 2:10).
Looking back at America’s story, the six-month span at Valley Forge might be the lowest point in our history. Soldiers were weary. Disease was rampant. Food supplies were short. But in that darkest hour, George Washington unleashed his courage, competence, and unwavering commitment to the cause. His leadership made all the difference.
America is at war again— this time against an invisible enemy named COVID-19. Many Christians are worried, and thousands of churches are hanging in the balance. But pastors are here for such a time as this. With Christ’s help, we can step forward with wise, biblical counsel and godly leadership that can bring our congregations through the valley.
Photo credit: ”The Prayer at Valley Forge”, a painting by Arnold Friberg depicting George Washington praying in the winter during the American Revolutionary War at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Fair Use.
Ryan Day is senior pastor of Wrightsdale Baptist Church in Peach Bottom, Pa. He joined the BRN Family in February 2020. His writings have been featured at FoxNews.com, The Baptist Bulletin, and National Right to Life.
