Group coaching session: navigating pressure to re-open church

Yesterday a clergy friend shared this article about a church in Calgary. The congregation had gathered at 25% of the building’s capacity, observed social distancing, and was careful about handwashing. In other words, those present - none of whom had symptoms or had been around (to their knowledge) anyone with the virus - had taken all the precautions recommended at the time. Within two weeks, half of the attendees had tested positive for Covid-19. Two have since died.

This incident highlights the danger of gathering as church in person too soon. And yet, pastors are under duress to re-open as soon as possible. Some of the pressure comes from knowing that other sectors of society are easing restrictions. Some comes from church members, who are eager to see people they have missed and to enjoy the comfort and routine that worship offers. Some comes from ministers’ own worries that they will be perceived as too cautious or even lazy for not moving church back to the building at the first opportunity.

It is an odd sensation - and an emotional burden heaped on top of those that clergy usually bear - to know that our decisions have impact on people’s very existence. And yet, here we are. So how do we navigate the messages and lead faithfully at this critical juncture?

I am offering a group coaching session via Zoom on Wednesday, May 20, from 1:00-2:30 pm CDT. We’ll use this time to process the external and internal messages participants are receiving, consider what pastoral leadership looks like when ministers' decisions impact public health, discuss what that means for how you function with faithfulness during this time, and identify sources of support as you navigate the tension.

This session will be limited to no more than five participants. The cost will be $25, payable via PayPal or check. Registration is available here. If you have questions, I welcome you to contact me. Together we will reflect, learn, and reinforce one another's abilities to do hard things.