Photo courtesy of Joseph Gonzales, via unsplash.com
It is likely that your church has experienced a variety of starts and stops over the past 18 months of ministry. At times it feels like we are never going to be able to get off this COVID roller coaster. Some have seen explosive online growth and others have seen their congregations dwindle due to screen fatigue.
Regardless of your level of success during this season, it is important for us all to remember that it is Jesus who is building the Church, and not us.
“… upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”
Matthew 16:18 (NLT)
This verse does not give us an excuse to be lazy. It doesn't give us permission to be passive in reaching others. But what it does is put things in proper perspective. At the end of the day, it isn't our tech department, worship team, or lead pastor who builds the Church. It is Jesus.
New landscape
We've all had to navigate the challenging waters of ministry in turbulent waters. So many churches have learned to thrive in this new world of restrictions, online church, and the unknown.
Currently, the attendance numbers nationally are around 40% of what they used to be. But I believe we will see a resurgence of in-person church attendance as people become more confident.
This brings us to the Super Bowl of the church year. Christmas. So many people were unable to attend Christmas services in 2020, and I believe that they will be anxious to get back to this Church that Jesus is building. I am trusting God for all-time high attendance across this country for Christmas!
Plan wisely
As you plan for your Christmas services this year, let us plan to advance the Kingdom, not simply to retreat from the darkness. We certainly need to keep in mind those who are still unable to attend in person, but I think that we all need to make a concerted effort to make this Christmas one that people will not want to miss.
This is the time to “go big or go home.” When I say “go big” I am not implying that Christmas worship experiences need to be all flash and no substance. This needs to be a service that offers hope to people who have likely grown stagnant in their relationship with God. This needs to be a time when the prodigal is invited back home. This is a time for the weary to rejoice.
As a tech director, your responsibilities have been stretched over the past year and a half. You have worn many hats and probably taken the blame for things you had no control over. But now is the time that it all comes together. The Kingdom is advancing and you get to play a part in it.
