The COVID 19 Virus has disrupted not just the way we do church, but the way church leaders do their job.
In the past few months, church leaders have spent countless hours planning new strategies, figuring out unfamiliar technologies, inputting new safety standards and making personal calls to church members.
You keep thinking, “When will things return to normal?” But so far, they haven’t.
I’ve spoken with many staff who tell me their job has radically changed. A children’s pastor is pushing his creativity to the limit to connect with parents and their children. A Group pastor fed up with trying to teach his leaders how to use Zoom. A worship leader who has exhausted herself training volunteers to produce an online worship experience.
Your staff is tired, discouraged, and possibly feeling like a failure.
What is your role when your team is on the edge of burnout? Well, let me tell you what they don’t need.
- A pep talk. (It feels right at the moment but is a flash motivation. Here one minute and gone the next.)
- A pay raise. (Don’t get me wrong; your staff might appreciate a raise, but it won’t restore their soul)
What they need is a personal connection.
They need you to care for their soul. If you see the signs of burnout on your team, slow down, and have a soul care conversation. Connect soul to soul by asking some heartfelt questions
- How are you doing, really?
- How is your soul in this season?
- What style of leadership do you need from me right now?
- How full is your spiritual Tank: E, 1/4, 1/2, ¾, or full?
- If God were to say one thing to you right now, what do you think He would say?
Soul care conversations let people know they are cared for and valued. And those two factors go a long way in refilling an empty soul. Don’t let your staff feel like a cog in the ministry machine. Shepherd their soul and make sure they stay spiritually healthy in this crazy season we are all walking through.
If you need a tool to have a Soul Care conversation with your team, download my FREE Spiritual Health Assessment. This is a tool I give out at my Leadership Coaching Group.
If you find yourself struggling with leading your team during this season—and especially as they’re showing signs of fatigue, burnout, wandering, etc.—you might consider a bit of coaching yourself. My Leadership Coaching Group helps you build the confidence you need to lead your team well, especially during trying times like these. You can learn more about the next group (LAUNCHING SOON!) here.
