I stumbled on a Webinar about the pandemic that was led by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College in partnership with the National Association of Evangelicals. Hundreds of Christians had sent questions to the HDI, and they gave answers to the most common questions. One of them was “What mental health concerns has the HDI discerned from surveys?” The answer: “The primary trend is concern over emotional health of Pastors.”
Honestly, because I am blessed with a wonderful wife, family, and church family, I’m doing ok. But after conversations with multiple Pastors whom I know and respect, I sensed that we Pastors carry a unique weight during this time. So I connected with my two fellow Pastors, one I’ve known since junior high, the other since college. Both of them quickly said that I should follow their steps and put together an Advisory Team, and be sure to field Deacon leadership, physicians, and whoever else to whom God leads you.
So after a good deal of prayerful solitude (which is quite easy these days!) God led me to my Team! I also asked Brian Pitts to lead us as our moderator. He has been outstanding, as I knew he would be, and I’ve asked Blake to work with us as well.
I tell you all of this to assure you that this Team is helping the Ministers as we process toward resuming Brookwood’s fellowship, worship, and discipleship. We are planning incremental steps and remaining prepared to adjust, as necessary. To use a cherished image, we are back at the 10, and we are going for first downs, not Hail Marys.
Ultimately, the Advisory Team and the Ministers offer their advisement of steps, target dates, and clear details to the Deacons. After rich discussion among these groups, we will be passing on the information, planning, and goals to all of our members.
Keep us in your prayers. Churches resuming to a new normal is complex. But thanks be to God, it is temporary, and He’s got it!
Looking forward to reaching the first downs with you until we cross the line for 6,
Jim
