How are your pastor and his family doing these days?
This is a question that lay leadership of our congregations need to be asking right now. It has been a long six months since the beginning of Covid-19. While many pastors are able to manage short-term issues and adaptations that often come along in ministry, Covid has called upon our church workers for a marathon of effort. This can be wearing on emotions, physical wellbeing and on the mind. Further, this can negatively impact marriage and family relationships.
As Chair of our English District Ministerial Health Commission, tasked with supporting and encouraging church worker and church worker family wellness, I am writing to encourage our lay leaders to give extra attention to caring for their church workers and their families.
Besides being in prayer for our church workers and continuing to provide for their physical needs as best as we are able, what more can be done?
First, be aware of what is being identified in current articles and studies concerning Church workers in the current contexts of ministry. Here are two recent articles on what is being identified among church workers today.
Second, speak with your church workers. Just ask the questions, “How are you personally doing right now? How is your family doing?” Listen and respond openly to what is shared with you.
Third, assure your church workers that you stand with them, support them, and value them.
Fourth, encourage your church workers to honor one or two full days off work each week to maintain a balance in these extra effort days of Covid. And encourage them to take their vacation, even though they might be sacrificially resistant.
If you would like to chat more about this topic or have situations of concern please know that you are welcome to contact my office or any member of our Ministerial Health Commission. Names and contact information are available on the district
website.
Assistant to the Bishop and Mission Executive
800-755-9335 x 311
416-320-6366 (Canadian cell)
