If you are anything like me, your head is sometimes swimming with all of the requirements and necessities for doing life and ministry in this age of COVID-19.
I have a healthy respect for our leaders and for the procedures which we must follow, but I also have a real passion to not let these prevent us from doing what we are called to do. We cannot simply “stop” ministry due to COVID – we are an “essential service,” are we not?
Here are a couple of thoughts:
While our churches and organizations must adhere to COVID Policy, we can be good – and responsible neighours and servants to all.
Karen and I have been finding that our neighbours are most welcoming and receptive to any acts of kindness, visits and conversations (outside and at doorsteps). Many of you are finding the same. Ben and Anna Crumback report from Sointula that their church was given a load of home-grown plums. They have walked about with bags of plums, giving them out to whoever they meet – good bridges!
In my reading this morning, I was encouraged by the words of Oswald Chambers, who writes,
Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.
Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.
Do you find yourself responding by saying, “Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field”? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield— you will be killed while trying to do it.
We have to go the “second mile” with God (see Matthew 5:41). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, “Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life.” But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.
While one-man bands are fun to watch, their music leaves a lot to be desired! Much better to hear the same instruments played by an ensemble of musicians in harmony.
Just so, I so much appreciate our LPD Office Administrator, Josephine Papp, and our LPD Board. They provide both accountability and balance to me – and keep me from trying to be an out of tune one-man band.
To be honest, my heart and desire to do ministry must at times drive Josephine crazy… I want to serve others, as does she, but her awareness of current COVID protocol will ensure that we carry on ministry safely and in obedience to regulations.
On September 28, we are holding a LPD/EFCC Pastor and Staff Orientation. Because of my values and “style,” it is important to meet face to face – to develop relationships. Because of COVID, doing so means that we must follow all COVID protocols for Johnston Heights Church, the EFCC and the LPD…
I want to see that we physically gather for orientation. Josephine will see that we do this safely and in accordance with policy.
Teamwork. It is important that each member of a team be of godly character, committed to the mission and possess some necessary skill. It is also important that they bring something to the table in terms of perspective. This brings balance and effectiveness.
Paul alludes to this in his description of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, where he writes, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.“
It has been my observation that a team, or board composed of “homogeneous” people might enjoy harmony (for a season). It will also be imbalanced and will at some point “implode” as its shortcomings become evident and are challenged.
Alan Hirsch writes of this in his article, “Three Overlooked Leadership Roles.” He points out that today’s church is led by “pastor-teachers,” and while this is good, a “pastor-teacher” will likely not possess the gifts and skills of the entrepreneurial leader, evangelist and “prophet.” A wise pastor will invite these to the leadership team…
Three_Over_Looked_Leadershio_Roles.pdf
In these days of COVID, I am thinking that this is as relevant as ever. I trust that your leadership team/circle includes “pastor/teachers,” entrepreneurs and the “cautious” – people with a heart for mission, those with a heart for people, and yes, also those with a heart for policy.
If your team is composed of the “cautious,” you may have difficulty initiating any ministry in this time of COVID. If you are all “entrepreneurs,” be careful that you are following necessary protocols :).
Surround yourself with people who “complement” you, not with words, but in their gifts!
We at the LPD are here to help – to share resources and what other churches are doing to minister through this time of COVID. Add us to your team!
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Feeling discouraged in ministry these days? You are not alone! All of us are busy, and perhaps even wearied by the challenges of ministering under COVID.
Here is an encouraging article by long-time pastor, Joe McKeever, “Longevity in the Ministry: Observations on Pulling it Off.” In short, it is “calling,” “contentment” and “creativity.” I hope that you find this encouraging! Here is the link.
longevity-in-the-ministry-observations-on-pulling-it-off
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LPD/EFCC Pastor and Staff Orientation
Monday, September 28
– at Johnston Heights Church
9612 – 152 St. Surrey
8:30AM – 4PM
This is a great opportunity go get to know our EFCC Family, and is a requirement for all seeking credentialing in the EFCC.
Pastor_and_Staff_Orientation_2020_Invitation.pdf
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HELP WANTED
White Rock Community Church is looking for a part-time secretary for their church office. For info, please contact Lead Pastor Steve Doerksen at: steve@wrcconline.com
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Please Remember our LPD Missionaries:
Here is the link to their information and how to support them:
Please remember all of our LPD Missionaries (and all missionaries) at this time.
https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/donations
LPD Missionaries
Dan and Sharon Williams (Osoyoos Project)
Steve and Gillian Sharpe (Missionary of Church Planting Development)
Jonathan and Harmony Ng (Inner City Ministry)
Noel and Lynda Macasaet (New Living Assembly)
Jorge and Emily Lin (Church of All Nations/”new”New West EFC)
Joshua and Nicole Fast (Priceless Youth Ministry)
Allen and Hannah Chang (Steveston Project)
Daniel and Joyce Wong (Steveston Project)
Nathan and Amber Kinsey (Winsome Games)
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HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CHURCHES REGARDING COVID-19
We in the LPD are here to serve you and your church through this time. Josephine has been continually updating our information, so has the most current information available on resources available to you and your church in this time. Please email Josephine
Please contact us for:
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Please pray for:
