5 Challenges Your Church May Face (And How to Overcome Them)
The post-Covid world has created many new challenges for churches. And even though in some regions of the globe, lockdown or quarantine restrictions are receding, it is safe to say the world will never be the same again. Until a vaccine can be found to combat the virus and build immunity, people will be walking in the shadow of fear for a long time to come.
How can our churches and church leaders continue to be a light of hope, even in the darkest days? And what are some specific challenges to prepare for? We have a list of some of the biggest ones below. As you read them, let each point be a launching pad to ground your faith more solidly, and strive to meet each challenge with spiritual strength.
1. More fear in the world
This is a given. But wise Pastors and church managers do their best to stay positive and provide faith-building safe spaces. Let your congregation know that even through you don’t have all the answers, you are there to help them keep the faith through trying times. A few areas that you may see become more of an issue are racism or phobias towards outsiders. Strive to make your church an open-minded, warm and accepting place where trust between communities are fostered.
2. More controlling governments
No matter what you personally feel about the way your local government is handling the pandemic, one thing is sure: our general freedoms are not the same as before. There will be more control in nearly every aspect of our lives—whether private, public, or online. Be a sample of abiding by the general rules and safety measures, while being a listening ear to those who feel they need to vent or are having difficulty following restrictions.
3. Less freedom to meet and discuss your faith
If you find that you now cannot meet your church members in person, now is the time to upgrade or rather, take advantage, of all the digital modes of evangelism. Consider moving the majority of your communications to the cloud, so that your church members can access past sermons, inspiration videos, talks, podcasts, your blogs, and more. Don’t let the challenge of no social contact hinder your fellowship.
4. Conflict among church members
People deal with crisis in different ways. For some, there will be conflicts in their personal relationships. Others may be suffering greatly financially. Still others will experience health problems as they are affected directly by the pandemic. Handle each case with prayer and caution. Get coaching from other pastors and church leaders who have had to handle a crisis before.
5. Decrease in donations
As people become more desperate, and experience job losses or financial difficulty, it is not uncommon to see donations dwindle as well. This is one of the major challenges for churches. Make it easier for your donors by providing options for them to give.
Set up online gift systems that are automated and allow them to contribute at whatever comfort level they are at. Continue to lead from a place of abundance, and your church will continue to have followers and grow more donors to your missions. Have a look at the donation software available to you today.
If you need ideas of positive topics to teach during your services, check out our blog on Best Thanksgiving Sermons. Keeping a spirit of faith and trust will be the antidote in these dark days. We leave you with a few reminders from the Bible on how to face times of crisis with faith, trust, and grace.
1. Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. …
2. Psalm 91:1-16
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, …
3. Psalm 23:1-6
A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, and he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …
Overcome the New Challenges for Churches
Need more coaching and guidance for handling your church through this crisis? At DonorWerx, we have counsulting programs and an abundance of resources to help you move into the new era of digital giving. Challenges for churches may be difficult, but they’re far from impossible.
Contact us today to schedule a Discovery Call.
