Fatigue is inevitable as you lead your church during these uncertain times. The amount of decisions we have to make each day, the constant change in guidelines, and the general disruption to our regular schedules are exhausting. What can you do to fight the pandemic fatigue? We talked with experienced ministry leaders about what they have done and here is what they recommend:
1. Ask for help and delegate. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. None of us know what we’re doing!” – Aqueelah Ligonde
2. Simplify. Focus on doing a few things well. “Our church doesn’t need us to do 100 things. It needs us to do a couple things well.” – Rob Dyer
3. Give yourself the freedom to fail. “We tie ourselves up in knots because so many of us are looking for the right thing. Stop thinking about it so much in terms of the right thing and instead just try things and give self the freedom to fail. If certain things you’re trying aren’t productive or are stressing out your staff you can change them.” – David Gaddini
4. Focus on what brings you and others joy. “We don’t have to do a 1000 things. Pick the things that bring you joy and bring others joy. We’re meant to be purveyor’s of joy!” – David Gaddini
5. Remember no one really knows what they’re doing. “Each church is sitting on their own island with their own set of circumstances. That’s another aspect of this that makes it difficult. None of us have a plan for what we should be doing. We’re all making it up.” – Rob Dyer
These tips came from the Facebook Live event, Quarantine Fatigue: Leading the Remote Church in 2020. Catch the whole recording to hear more wisdom and insight here.
