My ministry setting is recovering from an “Issue”
Your Question:
“How can I best serve in a ministry setting that is recovering from an issue?”
The Issues:
Recovering from an “issue” takes time. This is the same for people, large ministries, or small ministries. Understanding the cause of the “issue” is critical. Directly addressing the cause and telling the people what you are specifically doing to prevent it from happening again is a vital part of the recovery process.
Scripture Foundation:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10
Short Answer:
Every creation needs time to recover from a traumatic issue. Plants need to be nurtured with the right amount of light, water and nutrients after being stressed. Animals and people both need carefully monitored recovery environments after experiencing trauma. Businesses also require specific care after encountering a shocking event. Churches and ministries are no different.
Nobody should expect a ministry to “bounce back” quickly from a loss, division, or shock. There is a necessary time of recovery that must be carefully protected. There is no firm “formula” for how long that recovery time is. It varies with the specific issue.
It is important to talk with people about their feelings. It is vital to listen to what they say about their hurt, needs, and fears. Here are some things to do during the recovery period (which could be months or years):
1) Talk about the issue – There is a “fine line” that separates talking it about it too much, and not talking about it enough. Talking about the issue is important because humans need to “get it out” before they can recover. But, there comes a time when people might be tired of talking about it, and they just want to either move on or forget it. The shift from “We need to talk about this,” to “We’re tired of talking about it” may take weeks or months. You must be sensitive to the Lord and to the people in order to decipher when that shift happens. If you talk about the issue for too long, the issue itself may become part of the ministry’s identity. This is not good. The ministry is about the Gospel message and the presence of the Lord in individual’s lives. It is not about the bad things that have happened.
2) Focus on the vision – As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “…that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” He wanted the people who had experienced an “issue” to focus their attention on the purpose of the Gospel message, rather than on the issue. This can only be expected after the issue has been “unpacked,” and steps have been made to prevent it from happening again. If the people feel that their feelings or views haven’t been heard, then expecting them to focus on the CM vision or on the “Great Commission” may appear as a way to force them to ignore the issue. This perception could “backfire,” and produce more problems. If there has been an adequate time to talk about the issue, and to express the hurt feelings, then focusing on the vision and the goal of the ministry is a natural next step in the healing process. Remind the people that God is with them, and that He still has great plans for the ministry.
3) Make strategic changes – At the right time (after a significant time of talking about the issue and recovery), make some positive changes in the ministry. This could be additional policies or procedures that may prevent the “issue” from happening again, or it may be planning a new program or outreach. This is similar to getting a new puppy when the family dog dies. After a good time of mourning, getting a new puppy reminds you that life is good. This doesn’t mean that you expect the CM team to forget the “issue,” but it is a way of helping them shift from mourning to building. You may need to “sell” the idea of the change more than you would if the ministry hadn’t experienced an “issue,” but your enthusiasm will eventually pay off when you sense a new “spirit” within the CM team as they get excited about the new opportunities related to the change.
4) Overflow encouragement – A ministry that has experience an “issue” needs extra encouragement. Once again, the encouragement must be carefully applied. If there hasn’t been enough time to “unpack” or to talk about the issue, some people may feel that your positive encouragement is “too soon,” or that you are simply trying to “cover up” the sadness following the issue. Ask God for discernment as you encourage people. The focus of your encouragement must be on the person’s faithfulness and willingness to serve in the shadow of the “issue.” Be careful not to use “canned” encouragement statements like, “God is good, He’ll get us through this”; or “Everything is going to be okay.” Although, those statements may be true, it may not be what the people need to hear right away. Be sensitive. Be patient. Be understanding. Some people may react more deeply to the “issue” than others. Your kind, sensitive encouragement will help them recover eventually.
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