Pastoral Transition
The cover of a guide to pastoral transitions during COVID-19 pandemic from Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
A United Methodist Insight Column
Today’s gleaning are full of advice on how to continue through the coronavirus pandemic, whether you’re a layperson waiting for in-person gatherings to resume in your local church, or a United Methodist pastor trying to figure out how to move to a new appointment amid masks, social distancing and sporadic re-openings.
Training for the COVID-19 marathon
The Rev. Jack Shitama, a regular Insight contributor, distributes a “Two for Tuesday” email of short takes on being a “non-anxious” leader. From his latest:
“Episode 70 of The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast, Piercing the Fog of War-Four Steps for Effective Leadership in Uncertain Times, is now available.
“I've come to believe two things:
“Working remotely is going to last much longer than I originally thought. When this started, I figured a few months at most. Now, based on guidance from our governor, I'll be happy if I'm in the office more than at home by this fall (I hope I'm wrong).
“We're never going back to life as we knew it before the pandemic. Even when we have a vaccine and effective treatment, COVID-19 has changed the way we view everything from handshakes to large gatherings to staying connected to those we care about.
“I share this as a reminder that this is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to pace ourselves for the long haul. Somehow we will get through and be stronger for it. As we navigate this crisis, I'm grateful we can journey together.”
Jack also recommends an article, 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice by Kevin Kelly. Some of his favorites:
- Gratitude will unlock all other virtues and is something you can get better at.
- Being enthusiastic is worth 25 IQ points.
- Trust me: There is no “them.”
- The more you are interested in others, the more interesting they find you. To be interesting, be interested.
- Optimize your generosity. No one on their deathbed has ever regretted giving too much away.
A guide for COVID-19 transitions
Meanwhile, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary offers a free guide, "The Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting – COVID-19 Supplement” for pastors ending ministry in one congregation and beginning ministry in another congregation during the pandemic. An announcement says: “To help pastors during this challenging time, the Lewis Center surveyed a trusted group of pastoral leaders and judicatory leaders for their ideas and thoughts about making a successful transition during the coming months. Their recommendations are summarized in the free The Right Start: COVID-19 Supplement.”
Media Mentions as of May 12, 2020
Two Hispanic churches and too many tears: 100 COVID-19 deaths The Associated Press
Chicago mayor hopes to educate defiant church into compliance, avoiding mass arrests – Chicago Sun-Times *
Before we get 'back to normal,' we need to grieve and pray – Religion News Service
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.