How To Head Into A Season Of Transition And Constant Change

Typically the post-Easter Sunday season is a time when we wind down our activities. It’s that pause right before the summer madness enters; however, this one will be a little different from last summer. While some programs and opportunities will return, it’s definitely not normal. With all of this uncertainty, it can leave many of us wondering, “What am I supposed to do?” While that comes down to your situation, here are three actions I think every ministry leader should focus on over the next few months:

Go After The Shepherds Before The Flock

The big question many people have been asking is, “Will people come back when things start to open up?” The real question that parishes need to ask is, “Will we be ready to go out as things open up?” This question is more important than the previous is a question that churches should ponder whether we are in the midst of a pandemic or not. Before COVID-19 became a part of our reality, disaffiliation was already a problem. People were and are still leaving the church. What parishes need to do is remind the faithful of their baptismal call to PROCLAIM and SERVE. 

Before you start creating events and programs that people will sign up for, make sure you are getting those already in the pews involved. Remind them of the vision, tell them about the lost sheep, those who need a Savior. Get them ready to open doors, greet people, and head into the community with the love of Jesus Christ. This will mean you need to put together a plan. If you are not sure where to start, check out the following posts HERE or set up a free consultation with one of our coaches HERE.

Implement Guardrails And Pathways

Right now, we are in a season of transition. While some activities have resumed in person, some remain virtual. And while you might be ready to go back, there are plenty of people still questioning whether it’s the best thing to do. Change and transition are exhausting, especially if you lose sight of your boundaries. Even though it’s more convenient to pop on a Zoom call, you need to make sure you give yourself time to reset and refocus. It might not seem like a big deal to work one more hour, but what is the cost?

As you head into this next season, take time each week and month to look at what is on your calendar. Don’t book back-to-back meetings. And above all else, make sure you give yourself at least one day off. You might feel like the work will keep piling up, but the reality is that the more tired you become, the least productive you are.

A few weeks ago, this hit me square in the face. I was grinding it and could not find a place to pause. Even though I had my family’s support, I found the effectiveness of my work declining. Burning the candle from both ends is sometimes necessary but not sustainable. If you are not shutting down the screen, finding an activity to take your mind off of the busyness, and caring for your body, then you will stall.

It can be unnerving not to know what lies in front of us, but if you do not take time to step back and gain a bigger perspective, you will only find frustration and resentment. A way through these seasons is prayer, journaling, and planning. At night take some time to reflect on your day, review your schedule and give all of your worries over to God. The more margin you build, the more effective you’ll find yourself during times to work.

For more on creating margin in your life, check out these posts HERE and be sure to check out my favorite planning tool, the Monk Manual.

Keep Hitting The Laboratory

While last year was tiring, it was so rewarding at our parish. We tried many new things, from virtual Confirmation to YM Kits and Live Streaming at the parish. This Spring and Summer, there is an opportunity to continue to create. What is your parish hoping to achieve and do? It doesn’t have to be anything original, but it should be something you’ve never done before.

Suppose you are not sure where to start. Look at other parishes and businesses for ideas and inspiration. Learn from them and see what they are doing. But, before you start mimicking, make sure you know the vision of your parish. Before you do anything new, you must make sure it aligns with the vision, or else you’ll find yourself on a tangential rabbit hole. Once you know your vision, have your team collaborate on a few ideas to take your ministry to a new level. A few areas to experiment might be:

• How you meet and collaborate as a staff
• New forms and mediums of communication
• Methods of being present in the community

It does not have to be big, but it should push you a little bit out of your comfort zone. A little fear is okay as long as you bring it to God. If you are looking for some ideas or thoughts on brainstorming, check out these posts HERE.

It is okay if you feel a little helpless or overwhelmed by the road ahead. To be fully transparent, I’m there with you. I can only guess what the future brings; however, I know it is critical to rally the team, focus on the big picture, and not lose sight of what matters most. Don’t be afraid of the season ahead. Instead, lean into it and trust the Holy Spirit to keep moving you forward.

How are you approaching the transition and changes ahead of you and your ministry?

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