Resilience

The idea of resilience is as simple as the metaphor of a rubber band.   Rubber bands, like people, come in different sizes and are subjected to different challenges. They also have different thickness and abilities to stretch–shorter or longer.  With normal use, a typical band will not break.  If you stretch a rubber band to its maximum, it usually springs back.   But it can easily be stretched beyond its limits.  When a rubber band is exposed to adverse, outside influences, such as heat, the rubber quickly deteriorates and becomes very weak.  But rubber bands can also demonstrate resilience.   If care is taken in adverse situations, after it is stretched it has the capacity to bounce back.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has the capacity to stretch many of our pastors, church leaders, and churches beyond our limits.  Being a leader in the church is challenging work on its own but it is all the more difficult when we face uncertain times, a global pandemic, government regulations, imposed isolation, and a general loss of control in our daily lives.  But like a rubber band, we can bounce back if we take care of the rubber band.  This will require that as church leaders we practice staying healthy, staying connected, and staying true.   In fact, after being stretched we will discover even more flexibility, bounce-ability and spring.

So here are some suggestions on how you can take care of the rubber band, how you can take care of yourself, other church leaders, and your congregation as you are being stretched to your limit, and beyond:

1. Acknowledge the truth of the current situation.   This is not a time for hysteria, but also it is not a time for denial.   The COVID-19 pandemic is really, really stressful and, according to the best estimates, it will be with us for a long, undetermined time.   Everything is indefinite. The fact is that today we have no clearly visible finish line to this pandemic.   Cherish truth! (Proverbs 8:7)
2. Know your strengths and keep them in mind.   You are not able to do everything, but there is a lot that you can do.   And in fact, with the Lord's help you will surprised how much you actually can do.  "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
3. Take care of yourself both physically and spiritually.   Regular physical exercise is so important to improve your moods, boost your energy, and promote better sleep.  I know if I need an emotional lift, a half an hour on my eliptical trainer will pick me up and reduce my stress levels.  Take time out to rest, to calm both body and mind.  Practice your faith and your spiritual disciplines.   As Paul reminds us,  "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things...." (1 Timothy 4:8)
4. Manage your time well and know your limits.   You will be inundated with ministry challenges and gospel opportunities during these troubling days.   It all might be all too much to deal with at once.   Break the challenges down into small, achievable goals.   And celebrate achieving your goals, no matter how big or small they might be.   Strategize with other church leaders and your family how best to be the church in the midst of this crisis.  Become comfortable with taking risks, trying some things, and also failing.  You and your church can only be stretched so far.  And remember that God is the one who can take the broken pieces of our lives and ministry and put them back together again.  (see Jeremiah 17:14)
5. Stay connected.  Connect with your ministry colleagues using all the resources available:  a phone call, a text, an email, a social post.   This is not a time to isolate yourself socially from others.   Physically perhaps, but not socially.   These are special times and if there was ever a time we need each other as colleagues, it is now.   God's Word identifies the key to resilience is staying connected:  "Two are better than one!"  (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
6. If you need help, ask for it.  In the words of Dr. Seuss:  "When you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done."   That is why we are meant to ask for help.  Help in un-slumping.  As human beings we are wired for connection.   We will not be discarded like a useless rubber band.  With a little bit of help we can get back on track.  So if you find yourself in a slump, connect with your regional pastor for support, speak with trusted men and women in your church, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Don't do it alone!

Stay healthy, stay connected, and stay true!   And hold out hope!  With God's help and together we will get through this stretch.   It will test our limits, but like a rubber band we will bounce back -- stronger and more resilient.  Until then "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. " (Hebrews 10:23-24)  Like a rubber band we will bounce back - with resilience!