Wisdom and Advise!

Dear Pastors

Wisdom and Advise!

With the Traffic Light’ system due to become law today (and effective from next week Friday), to say there is confusion even bewilderment most everywhere in New Zealand is probably an understatement. Without a doubt that will be reflected in our churches.

To be honest, I have heard of some pretty ghastly stories these last few weeks. I’ve spoken to a lot of pastors and they are worried how this is all going to play out. This is on top of a fatigue that is making clear headed thinking and decision making more and more challenging by the day.

At times like this I would suggest that as pastoral leaders we need to resort to some fundamentally good practise ‘default settings’. Here are mine:-

1. Get really good advice. Proverbs 11:14 (NLT) says “without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers”. (see also 15:22, 24:6) I think having easy access to a Christian doctor is a non-negotiable. I have personally spoken to two doctors recently and I have found their insights and perspective hugely helpful. Elders, denominational task groups and a few trusted colleagues could be part of the mix. Have you thought about a ‘Covid-19 Response Task Force’ to assist you?
2. Listen carefully. I know I know……..some people are saying silly things but not everyone is. Have you thought of a weekly ‘talk it over’ session where you invite people to come (or attend on Zoom) to share their thoughts and worries with you?
3. Communicate Communicate Communicate. Now is the time to be carefully scripted. Now is the time to be sure your messaging is crystal clear. It’s perfectly OK to say something like this, “here are my/our best thoughts as at today but friends this is a moving feast so please give me….give us a little slack”, or something like that. Reasonable people will do exactly that.
4. Brace yourself. You can do everything right BUT many of you if not all of you will lose some folks at least in the immediate future. Sorry if that comes across quite negative but it is already happening.
5. Pray……. like you have never prayed before. “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness”. James 3:17-18(NLT)

Blessings
Alan

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.