5 MORE Pastor Skills to Thrive in a Post-Pandemic World (Part 2)
Many church leaders across the world are experiencing a time of deep reflection, and a shift in normal operations. It is time to renew our awareness of the needs of our ministries and how to best react and help during this difficult time. And if you don’t have the pastor skills needed to guide your congregation, things can become much harder for everyone.
Many donors and their families are experiencing great loss: loss of financial security, loss of mental strength, loss of hope. In a pre-pandemic world, a good pastor must arm him or herself with the following skills to help shepherd and guide wisely, with care. And, if they want to move their church into the future, they must be willing to enhance these skills for many more years to come.
“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” Psalms 78:72
1. People Skills
A pastor must be in tune with the economic realities of his church members. The resulting recession has left many folks feeling insecure. How a pastor handles the requests and anxieties of the church members is crucial. Are the managers in your church trained in public relations or people-handling skills? If not, now is the time to level up and invest in courses that help them with this.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
2. Tenacity as a Pastor Skill
The ability to stick to your vision and pursue it will make all the difference. Leaders cannot give up when the going gets tough, those who stick with their church and continue to carry a heavy load even when it is not easy show true commitment, and service.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
3. Optimism
This one may sound cliché, but it means the world to your church members if you can stay positive and optimistic for their sake. You may not know what crazy turns the economy will take, or how the current state of affairs will affect your flock. But you must encourage them to keep the faith, no matter what. No matter how dark the outlook, the Up-look is always better!
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
4. A Working Knowledge of Relevant Bible Verses
Being able to point people back to the Word of God during their darkest days is a skill to hone. It takes memorizing, studying, and living the truth of the Bible. Those who lead the church must know their Scriptures. They must also remain diligent to show the light of truth to their flocks.
1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
5. Social Media Skills
Why is social media skills on this list for leaders? Because those who want to grow with the times and move their church into the way of the future must move forward themselves, first. Try using social media to follow up, to fundraise, to remind people of the Bible Study notes, or to organize church events. It is a way to reach the younger generations as well. How about streaming Bible movies or recording music concerts to inspire your young ones as part of your youth outreach program?
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Remember that during this time, it is easy for pastors and church leaders to feel overwhelmed and incapable of leading the church. Don’t let this discourage you. See it as normal in the course of Christian life, and don’t forget to take time out for reflection and rest when you need it.
Which Pastor Skills Are Most Important?
Which of the above skills are your church leaders strong in, and which can be honed during this difficult time? If you need help with online tools and resources for your church, contact our team at Donorwerx today. Also, don’t forget to check out the other important skills pastors need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Our mission is to help organizations like yours to have a better donor experience. We show you how to truly listen to donors, and we use the power of technology to strengthen those relationships. In a time of crisis, the relationships are the foundation for your success. Don’t underestimate them.
For more information, visit our contact page or call to schedule a meeting with one of our representatives.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
