Top ten things I’ve learned leading a church during a pandemic.

1 Audio matters.

I’m not referring to perfect balance and tuning, but the ability to hear the words being sung, Scripture being read, liturgy and sermon matters.

2. Content matters even more.

What we say in church has an impact. How we live as a people changes lives.

3. Church isn’t about entertaining people.

Keep things simple, honest and authentic. I’m not saying be sloppy or distracting.

If you are spending more time on production than research, practice, studying and praying…maybe it’s time to reprioritize our time.

4. Theology matters.

Take the time to think about what you believe about God, your faith, the Bible and it’s importance in your life. Anyone can sing happy songs about Jesus love and preach a sermon about how God loves each of us. Some churches love to talk about social injustice; what is your faith community actually doing about it? What are you yearning for when it comes to learning, growing, and practicing in your faith?

5. If you are looking for errors or mistakes, you will find them.

6. Online worship is about you; but it’s not all about you.

7. If you are looking for the same experience of being in a room full of people worshipping, you will be disappointed.

8. Worship is different.

When we eventually get back to worshipping in the same room; it will be different. This pandemic has changed the world and one way or another it’s changing our churches. My prayer is the Holy Spirit has more influence in our worship than our expectations.

9. Why church?

The answer may be different depending on the season of life you are in. But, keep this question at the forefront of your prayers and thoughts. It’s like a compass.

10. We all have a story.

We are all going through something and once the pandemic ends, there is still more healing to do.

Let’s all be just a little more gentle, patient and gracious with ourselves and others.

What are you learning? How is your list different or similar to mine? How can we learn from one another? Please leave your comments below.