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Fighting Back the Covid Quit Factor

By charlie worley
Pastors and church leaders, how are you fighting back the Covid Quit Factor? You know the feeling. You are trying harder than ever to serve the Lord and your church, but many of the otherwise faithful sheep in your flock are dropping out of the race. How are you responding? Do your thoughts turn more and more to writing that letter of resignation? Are you ready to give up the ministry? The following are some thoughts and ideas for winning this Covid battle.

Pastors and church leaders, how are you fighting back the Covid Quit Factor? You know the feeling. You are trying harder than ever to serve the Lord and your church, but many of the otherwise faithful sheep in your flock are dropping out of the race. How are your responding? Do your thoughts turn more and more to writing that letter of resignation? Are you ready to give up the ministry?

Unfortunately, many pastors are calling it quits. They agonize over the question, "Whose next to quit our church?" They see people who were faithful followers of Jesus and workers in the church just two years ago, now ready to throw in the proverbial towel and leave. And many leave with no notice. It's usually not the big conflicts or offenses that are causing such a discouraging response. It's the small stuff that is going on in the church family and leadership.

You hear about a family in your church who have one or more relatives who get Covid and are now fearful of being around groups of people in your church who might spread the virus. Their response – "We'll just stay home and watch the church service online." You have become aware of individuals or families who refuse to wear a mask to church and then are ostracized by their fellow worshippers, and so they stay away. Some in your church may feel God has forgotten them and wonder what will He do or not do next. Others believe the church is no longer a safe place. Your list might even be much longer.

Then there are personal reasons. Like many other pastors, you may be feeling especially tired and weary after the last couple of years. For some of your friends and colleagues, exhaustion has taken a toll and they have become discouraged or even depressed. As you prepare to preach, you may wonder just what do you say or what does the Bible say about what people are going through. Some pastors are finding it hard to pray. They may feel like they can't help themselves, much less help others cope with life's challenges.

So how do you fight back? Let me suggest a few ideas that might be of some help.

Instead of just one, take two days off each week and relax, take naps, do something you enjoy, and pray.

Do your best to sleep 7-8 hours each night. It's amazing what a good night's rest can do for your body and soul.

Write by hand encouraging notes to people in your church. Ask God to show you what encouragement they need and then write. It might even help you stay in the fight by occasionally writing a note of encouragement to yourself.

Spend more time with your family. They need your time and you need their help. That can be the best use of Zoom, Facetime, or Skype. If you are hurting, your spouse probably is too.

Spend regular time with a small group of other, trusted pastors. Coach, encourage, and pray for one another. Speak the truth in love to one another.

Spend time each day in the devotional reading of Scripture. This spiritual discipline is to be kept different from Bible study and reading in preparation for your preaching and teaching.

Pray, pray, and pray some more. Let God know what's really on your heart and mind. He wants to bear your burdens. The Psalms can be very helpful for this purpose.

I am not saying anything new. You have probably heard these ideas and more before. But let them encourage you to fight back the Covid Quit Factor. Your Lord and Savior does want you to win this battle. Don't just quit.

What are other ways you can suggest for other pastors and church leaders?

[Photo by Sammy Williams on Unsplash]