How is your 20/20 vision going? Just a guess, but I am thinking the Lord was laughing at some of our January sermons about our “20/20 vision” for the year! But all is not loss, church leaders should consider these five vision questions as they deal with COVID-19. These questions will help you use this situation to more effectively serve the Lord in the months to come. Let me encourage elderships and church staffs to discuss these questions together.
- “What have we learned from COVID-19?” This is uncharted territory, which your church, community, and families have never experienced. What has God taught you through the experience? Many churches were forced to stop conducting in-person services for nearly two-months; did you ever expect that? Traditional service times, go-to ministries like Sunday school, and traditional pastoral and evangelistic practices have been made void during this time period. What have you learned that can help you be better into the future?
- “What is our vision?” Your church should have a specific, easily understood, and inspirational vision. There are generic visions (like “Love God; Love People” or “Save, Equip, Send”) which every church has to some degree; but I am challenging you to be specific in casting a vision for your church family now. Nehemiah cast a compelling, specific, and unifying vision to rebuild the wall. What vision will your leadership team cast for the future?
- “What opportunities for the cause of Christ has this provided for us now?” Your community has changed; with changes come new opportunities. The effects of COVID-19 will be far-reaching when it comes to addictions, depression, financial burdens, and way-ward church members. What needs are present that you have the opportunity to serve? What exposure has the church gained through online services or benevolent outreach that present opportunities?
- “What are our strengths as a church family that we can use for Christ?” COVID-19 has been a test for your church family. What has it revealed about your core membership strengths? What new skills and talents have you seen? What are the values of your church that have been revealed?
- “What threats do we have as a church going forward?” What are the dangers lurking in the next month, three months, six months, or year ahead? Are there fiscal threats to our church treasury? Are core ministries threaten at ever being the same–for example Sunday night services or children’s Bible classes? Knowing and foreseeing the threats is not paranoia, but is wise so you can appropriate navigate and mitigate them.
What other questions would you add that church leaders should be asking?
