COVID-19 and Pastoral Leadership

I am thinking today about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and about how leaders help those they serve navigate challenging situations.  Health officials still don’t know everything about the coronavirus that has killed nearly 4,000 people around the world.  As of this morning, the number of cases in the U.S. has topped 500 with 22 deaths.

Will this situation become worse?  It looks likely.  While it is not helpful to fret and worry, or spread rumors, it is helpful to use this occasion to think about how leaders respond in times of crisis.

So, what can you do? Don’t spread fear. Don’t spread germs. Don’t panic. Do help those you serve navigate this well. Do use this opportunity to develop a strategy for dealing with similar challenges. Most importantly, do pray for the healing of those who have contracted this virus and pray that it won’t spread further.

In this particular situation, you can practice good personal hygiene and encourage others to do the same. Wash your hands well and often.  Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow.  Keep your environment clean.  Stay home if you are sick.

If you don’t already, provide hand sanitizer stations at several locations around your facility. Consider using Communion and greeting practices that lessen the potential spread of germs.  

You may want to take additional steps to develop a “Crisis Plan” in the event this situation worsens or in preparation for any other potential emergency. At some point, most every church experiences a crisis due to weather, fire, health, etc.  Now is the time to talk about it with your leadership team before there is a sense of urgency. None of us make good decisions when we are in panic mode. 

Your plan could include the following:

·      ensuring you have up-to-date contact information (e-mail, phone) on all regular attenders

·      developing a communication plan to keep the entire church informed

·      considering how you might provide worship opportunities via Facebook live, livestream, etc., if it became difficult for the congregation to gather in person

·      developing a plan for how pastoral care will continue to be provided

·      ensuring that your church attenders can continue to support the church financially through electronic means

“Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you.” (Joshua 1:9)