{"id":2097,"date":"2020-09-01T16:26:25","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T16:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onehopecanada.ca\/?p=2097"},"modified":"2020-11-04T21:29:13","modified_gmt":"2020-11-04T21:29:13","slug":"how-to-make-the-most-of-ministry-through-a-global-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onehopecanada.ca\/fr\/how-to-make-the-most-of-ministry-through-a-global-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make the most of ministry through a global pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This year, children\u2019s leaders everywhere have had a crash course (or two, or three) in learning how to make the most of ministry through a global pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n

It looks a lot different than it used to, whether you are a pastor, director, or volunteer leader in children\u2019s ministry. We\u2019ve had to change our plans and then change them again. We\u2019ve learned really fast how to utilize the online world, prep mail-outs, rewrite curriculum to fit recording and switch the entire way we do ministry.<\/span><\/p>\n

I joked with my senior pastor, \u201cNo one taught me how to pastor during a pandemic in Bible school!\u201d It\u2019s true, isn\u2019t it? In March there were no books to help us through this!<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be honest, I\u2019m exhausted. I\u2019m anxious. Maybe you feel the same way. We have many questions. How are we going to minister to the people in our context during COVID-19 and through these restrictions?<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing I do know: we are not in this alone. We do not minister to children and families with our own strength. We can only serve through the strength of the Lord, and I am so thankful for that. It brings me peace and I hope it brings you peace, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are called to do the best we can with what we have. It\u2019s easy to compare ourselves to others, but Jesus will use our ideas and resources to bring the Gospel to his children. It might be via YouTube or Zoom or a phone call. He can work through it all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the thing. God has called us for a reason; it\u2019s not a mistake that we are ministering to kids during a global pandemic. Our calling is still valid even though the challenges have been insane. <\/b><\/h5>\n

Maybe you\u2019ve heard the saying, \u201cGod doesn\u2019t call the equipped, He equips the called.\u201d We are really getting a feel for that this season!<\/span><\/p>\n

There are some practical things we can do to keep ourselves healthy so we can face the fall season with confidence. We cannot pour into others if our cups are empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Take holidays and days off.<\/strong> Plan to take some time to rest and refill by connecting with the Lord. Rest is holy.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Connect with other ministry leaders<\/strong>. Share the burden over coffee or a phone call; we cannot do this on our own.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Ditch the social media for a bit.<\/strong> The constant updates and news of this world can be heavy, so take a break.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When we remember who called us to this ministry, and leave it in his hands, we will be able to face this new season with confidence and hope. \u201cMay 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.\u201d (Romans 15:13)<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some helpful resources to get you started this fall as you prepare for ministry through a global pandemic:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n