Introduction
Frustration
and anger are pervasive throughout our culture. Underlying the anger and
emotion is a deep fear. These are uncertain times and people feel it, I
feel it.......
So,
it raises the question: “How do we lead
in the church in times of uncertainty”? Every pastor must face this
question. Even if you aren’t facing uncertainty in the culture, it could
be uncertainty in your church or in your personal health or your relationship.
The
word that comes to mind is the word disequilibrium. We are in a season of
disequilibrium.
When
Moses was leading Israel on the 40 year trip from Egypt to the Promised Land,
there were lots of twists and turns. At times the people of Israel complained
and whined and expressed frustration, which is a true representation of what
they felt. And in desperate moments they even desired to go back to
Egypt. It certainly wasn’t because life in Egypt was good. It was
because Egypt was familiar, Egypt was known. At least they knew what to
expect in Egypt. But in this season of disequilibrium, they felt off
balance and uncertain.
I
believe the real test of a leader is how they lead in times of uncertainty and
disequilibrium.
I
want to share with you some practical ways that we can lead strongly during
times of uncertainty.
1.
Step up,
lean in, take responsibility, and pray hard
If
you are a leader, times of uncertainty call out the best in you. You want
to help and you want to be the stabilizer bar for your congregation.
It
reminds me of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 1, he hears the report that the wall
had been torn down around Jerusalem and that the people were in trouble.
These were definitely uncertain times.
Nehemiah’s
heart is broken and he goes to God in prayer. And not only does he pray
hard, but he steps up and offers to be part of the solution.
This
is not a time for us as leaders in the 21st century to shrink back
in fear. This is a time for us to boldly, courageously step up and be
part of the solution.
2.
Acknowledge
that this is a season of uncertainty
Good
leaders don’t live in denial or try to pretend that everything is fine.
If we don’t acknowledge the reality of the uncertainty, it will lead to one of
two results.
1)
People will think you are clueless to what is really going on.
2)
They will think you are spinning the communication to make people think things
are better than they really are.
Good
leaders are not afraid to acknowledge that we are in a season of
disequilibrium. We can confidently say to our people “Yes, these are
uncertain times, but our God is in control. And, we don’t have to be
afraid.”
3.
Communicate
more
In
a season of uncertainty, communication should be more frequent.
In
the US, Hurricane Matthew was about to hit south Florida. There is a
church there where a Pastor works with every month and so he receive all of
their communication. Even when the hurricane was 3 or 4 days away, they
started communicating with their people. They let them know they were
responding to the situation and how they planned to help their community once
the hurricane passed.
Their
frequent and well-crafted communication was helpful.
4.
Lead
yourself well
This
can feel counterintuitive. In times of disequilibrium we can be so
focused on the crisis, that we can think that we don’t have time to care for
ourselves.
But
we know that seasons of uncertainty can be quite draining and depleting.
And, so, it is even more important during times of uncertainty that we don’t
skimp on our time with God.
Spending
time with God not only fills your tank, it also give you an eternal
perspective. Spending time with God reminds me that this world is not all
there is. It reminds me that the universe is not spinning out of control.
In God’s word I remember that I have a loving Father who is working out His
purposes.
So,
while you lead strongly in this season of disequilibrium and uncertainty, don’t
forget to lead yourself well.
Kind
Regards