THE POST-COVID CHURCH

Regardless of one's theories about the COVID pandemic - Is it real? How bad is it really? It's an excuse to control others. It's a life-threatening virus, etc - the fact remains that society was shut down for a long season in an unprecedented manner.

The results are not encouraging, and the American Church has taken a hit, in finances, attendance, involvement, and influence. Ironically, and as usual, this has played right into God's hand and plan going forward.

HOW DO WE NAVIGATE THE POST COVID CHURCH?

Several leaders who track trends are reporting that middle-aged and older pastors are retiring, partly due to burnout and disillusionment through this pandemic. I get it, and I'm grateful my days as a pastor are behind me. Ironically this is not a bad thing, but rather runs consistent with God's spiritual order in a society (this is my worldview coming through here).

There are essentially four generations at any given time in society.

They each carry the following

giftings and emphasis from the Creator, and thus should look to function in those strengths:

1. The Oldest Generation - the sages and wisdom bearers, who should be sought out by current leaders for counsel and wisdom.

2. The Aging Generation (that's mine) - the overseers, fathers, and mothers, who cover and provide a safe government for the rising leaders

3. The New Leaders Generation - who carry the power and energy to make it happen, and the bandwidth to raise families and lead the fight

4. The Young Generation - who are just discovering who they are, through risks, attitude, immature mistakes, and fun views of life, and are ripe to be forged into something great

An old saying for a demanding sport: "It's a young man's game." The same goes in the ecclesiastical world, and the Governor of the Universe will ensure that the right people are placed in the right seat to do the job. Of course, an aging generation always gets frustrated with the one behind them for their crazy ideas, new methods, and just being different than "the way we did things".

Personally, I love watching these young bucks go for it, with fearless yet humble faith and abandon. Sometimes they strike out on three pitches, and sometimes it's a base-clearing double!

My job is to make successful those I mentor, including the hard lessons they may need to learn. These are the men who are emerging to lead the American Church in this next season. They are born weight-bearers who can handle the pressure, and they are strategically placed by the Lord in every state and city.

The way they do it may differ from what we've grown used to - so be it! King David sure brought a different game to the nation of Israel, because he was divinely wired to do so.

So, know which generation is yours, and begin to function actively in your sphere and strength.

Many of you may be around my age. It is time to put the sword in the hands of the “Davids” out there and let them draw blood where God wants the battles fought. Speak into their souls and lives, encourage them, rally the people around them, and watch what the Almighty God will do.

I hope this has encouraged you and shed a little light on the path of the Church in these unusual times.

So, let’s get after it!