By John Daniels
Mid-March rocked my world. We closed the church office for what we thought was a multiple week pause only to discover that a few weeks would turn into months. Things are different!
“How can we continue to do the business of the church?” became the question that needed an immediate answer. Months later I realize that I am continuously asking and answering that same question. When the regular framework for doing the business of the church is interrupted, we are forced to learn new things. Learning how to increase our digital presence in the world, learning how to work from home, learning how to conduct a Zoom committee meeting, learning how to make a calendar that is flexible, learning how to streamline communication, the list goes on and on.
This COVID-19 transition has lasted longer than I hoped, yet it has lasted long enough for me to learn new things and ask new questions.
- I have learned that availability is necessary, but it does not mean that I have to be tethered to a desk at the office.
- I have learned that connection is necessary, but we do not have to see each other in person or shake hands for it to be real.
- I have learned that calendars and TTD lists are important, but getting things done well with intentional priority are necessary in this time of transition. Policies and procedures are indispensable, yet there are times that call for extra ordinary solutions to problems that may arise.
- I have learned that God truly is in control of the church and her resources. I have come to realize that prior to coronavirus the business of the church had become route and forcefully scheduled. I now find a new peace and joy with making sure that necessities get done that require effort, time and some tender loving care.
I wish I could predict what comes next, but one thing I know, I must continue to learn and trust God.
These thoughts above are from John Daniels, our associate partner based out of Wilmington, North Carolina. His primary focus is working alongside churches in administrative challenges and opportunities. For more information about how he can help you, contact him at [email protected].