5 Skills Pastors Need to Thrive in a Post-Pandemic World
The coronavirus pandemic had a major effect on every aspect of public life. Unfortunately, houses of worship did not go unscathed. Even as we get back to normal, there’s little doubt that things have changed forever. While facing this new reality may seem like a daunting task, there are certain pastor skills that can help you through these tumultuous times.
Today’s church leaders and executive pastors must be able to deal with a crisis while being a lighthouse for those feeling “lost” and forlorn during trying times. However, they also need to be tuned in to technology. They must move forward with the changing times, if they are to move the church forward. The pandemic crisis is giving us all a chance to examine more closely the physical, mental and spiritual skills we must be equipped with.
Of all the important skills church leaders need, which ones should we be focusing on during this difficult period? Which ones will serve our flock and our mission the best?
Let’s take a closer look at the five pastor skills you need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
1. Communication
Your message and your mission in the world should not change. However, the way you communicate it must adapt to today’s needs and the needs of your church members. Unless pastors level-up with modern technology and utilize all the digital tools at their disposal, they will not be able to reach their congregation effectively.
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
2. Data Skills
All modern-day pastors need a digital platform if they want to thrive in an uncertain world. Then, they need to be tuned in to data and statistics for church growth. If you as a pastor feel that this is too overwhelming, you can simply hire a data team or work with tech professionals who can help you do your job even better. Examining your data allows you the opportunity to see your church’s weak points, and make smart data-driven decisions in line with your own spiritual intuition.
James 2: 26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so Faith with works is dead also.”
3. Transparency
How you share information with your church in the middle of a crisis is critical. Are you giving accurate info and presenting a well-rounded picture? Are those involved with your church’s ministry open and honest about financial transactions, donations, and funding? This is one skill you need to hone. Don’t be afraid to encourage others to speak up, be honest, transparent, and foster a sense of trust and unity.
Proverbs 19:1 “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.”
4. Authenticity
While authenticity is not a new skill or concept, a pandemic presents new challenges where this leadership value must stand strong. If you as a church leader are trained to be real, authentic, and human in your interactions with your church members and donors, they will feel it. Your people will know they trust and rely on you for spiritual comfort during this difficult time. Demonstrating your human vulnerability while still being a source of strength to your people is something that comes through deep experience and “walking the talk.”
1 Corinthians 2:4 “And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power.”
5. Empathy
Remember how Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, best showed this trait when he told his staff, “There is no instruction manual for how to feel at a time like this.” He went on to share his personal anxieties in a way that they could relate to.
During a time of crisis, seek to show empathy for even the least significant of your church members. Do not save your nice speeches for those whom you think will give more financially. At this point in time, all your church members need to know you are bearing the same burden with them.
Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
These Pastor Skills Will Help You Thrive
Great communication, good data skills, transparency, authenticity and empathy are all vital to fostering trust. Your church members will feel, see, and know that you are committed to helping them get through the darkest times they have ever faced.
“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” Psalms 78:72
Here are three more Scriptures to boost your faith ad strength for the job at hand:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22
“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3
The COVID-19 pandemic is something we have never had to live through before. If you are looking for a way to manage your church’s ministries and need extra help with the tech side of things, call us today.
At Donorwerx, we provide real solutions, church software, and resources. Having the right pastor skills can go a long way in building a successful ministry, but without the right tools, there’s no guarantee your congregation will thrive. Check out our unique platform for online giving and donor development to help your mission succeed.
