Leading in Uncertain Times

Dear Pastors

I haven’t known such a time as this in my entire lifetime. And in many ways the worst is yet to come as the Economic effects are only in their infancy.

How then should we lead in times like this?

Here are a few thoughts:-

1. Know Yourself. As human beings we all react differently to a crisis irrespective if we are leaders or not. We all have a default setting. It may be panic. It may be a deep sense of overwhelm. It may be denial. It may be (and probably will be) some level of fear. Or it is conceivable for a small percentage it might even be feelings that are upbeat and optimistic. Understanding our own reaction/response is an important starting place.
2. I would recommend that you verbalise what you are feeling to your spouse and at least one other trusted person and of course to your Heavenly Father.
3. If you are anxious, fearful, panicky or generally struggling then please be ever so careful about making major decisions either personal, family or for your church. When you are feeling unusually emotional it is rarely a good time to make a major decision anyway, and right now it would be plain unwise. Also be extra careful about what you say out loud to others especially your congregation. Be sure your words are carefully considered. Feel free to be honest and even vulnerable but just be careful how you say it.
4. Don’t panic but be prepared. I know that’s very easy to say but actually it is very true.
5. Pray with greater intensity and focus, read the word with a passion and reflect (think) deeply about what is happening around you. I recommend reading Psalms and the Gospels.
6. Sleep well, eat well and do some exercise every day. Fresh air (deep breathing) is a wonderful medicine and it doesn’t cost you a cent.
7. Read widely, listen very carefully and think deeply. Over the last week I have read a huge amount, I have called smart people both Christians and non-Christians (seriously my ear is flat as) and I have listened to more than usual number of news bulletins both from within NZ and international. Why do this? Simple. I am not a scientist, a doctor, a lawyer or an economist. I am very reliant on the experts to inform me as indeed you are. I think of these people as my advisors. I need them!
8. Be careful about the spin. It is rampant at times like this including ‘conspiracy theories’ from well-meaning Christians. And be ever so careful that you don’t contribute to the spin either.
9. Put in extra hours right now. Ask your family for a ‘leave pass’ for 2-3 weeks (or longer) so you have extra time to stay on top of this. Make sure you repay the time. Remember this. Extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary responses.
10. If you have to make a major announcement/decision please have it checked by your Elders or Board AND an advisor or by someone knowledgeable who is independent. An objective set of eyes is worth his/her weight in gold.
11. Communicate often and clearly. The golden rule at times like this is that you can’t communicate enough. That means your communication might become redundant. Yes it might but better that than skimpy and indistinct public communication. It’s now that the bugler MUST blow a distinct sound.
12. Seize The Moment. Every situation no matter how challenging has opportunities contained within it. I love some of the stuff I have read in the last week of churches doing or planning to do really cool stuff here in NZ and overseas. As an example I have decided to offer a Public Prayer for the readers of The Chronicle (local rag) here in Raglan and to personally pray the same written prayer on my home phone message. You can check it out by calling 07 8258330. I plan on doing this as long as it is needed. One short prayer a week both written and spoken.

And finally. I know the Christian church is at it’s best when it is together. And arguably if people are having to isolate and fear is knocking at the door then being together is such an important thing. I get that. But that needs to be weighed up with the public health concerns and Government requests and requirements. Please remember millions and millions of Christians in restricted and persecuted countries haven’t had the freedom to meet for a very long time and in most cases the church has coped remarkably well even grown in strength and numbers. Improvisation is the name of the game!

Below are links to four articles written by others that you might find helpful. I certainly have. Also the live programme at 2.00pm on TV1 today broadcast from Parliament tmight be worth watching as our PM announces the financial and remedial package our Government is planning on implementing.

I hope this is helpful. I would be interested in any other wisdom you might have. Please email me by hitting ‘reply’. Thanks.

Off to watch the news.

Blessings

Alan

Articles

In Coronavirus Pandemic, Christianity Has Ancient Lessons

How Dangerous Is COVID-19? We Asked An Epidemiologist.

Why We Cancelled Our Weekend Services... and why you should, too by James Emery White

Living Under The Shadow by J John

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.