The perfect storm, a phrase popularized by the film of the same name, describes a weather occurrence when two or more major systems combine to form a super storm of extreme magnitude. In late October of 1991, a cold front crossing the east coast met a ridge of high pressure from the north, forcing it westward into the Atlantic. When the resulting storm combined with hurricane Grace, the three systems formed a semi-tropical cyclone producing hurricane force winds and waves up to 73 feet high. Thirteen lives were lost, including the entire crew of the fishing boat Andrea Gail.
You can see, I hope, why I would use the phrase in describing the ministry landscape pastors and congregational leaders face today. The challenges within your church are not simply the result of one situation. They emerge from a collision of storms that have converged upon us. And leaders who miss this point run the risk making decisions that not only fail to accomplish what they hope, but even exacerbate things.
Your particular church may have additional storms to consider, depending on your community, but at least three affect us all. Most obvious is the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, which lately brings another variant. Two years ago we prayed for a quick resolution and return to normal. Today we question whether there’s enough Greek alphabet to name all the new variants. This amplifies tensions within congregations concerning masks, mandates, vaccines, and the pace at which members feel comfortable returning to certain activities.
The other major storm is the demise of cultural Christianity. Proponents of its replacement, the liberal secular society, not only fail to understand our Christian motivations, but consider many of our values the source for greater problems. This means that many of the attractional ministry approaches most churches practice will not connect with the unbelieving people we’re called to reach. Now, rather than sit at church expecting them to come to us, the church must find ways to engage unbelievers out in the world. Many would argue that this is a more biblical approach, but even they find it hard to change habits.
Another storm coming down hard is the generational divide. There has long been a sense of misalignment between people of different ages. The term generation gap dates to the 60’s. But the era of social media has turned the generation gap into a canyon. Consider how, even among committed, biblically solid Southern Baptists, the values, methods, and expectations of those who are younger differ from those who are older. Boomers sought out assertive leaders who would point out the direction and lead the way. Millennials and Gen Z seek collaborative leadership that helps them to discover next steps. Boomers and their predecessors went to church. Persons of younger generations are encouraged to be the church. These differences fuel numerous conflicts that will tear up a church if godly wisdom does not prevail.
I could go on and note politics, racial relationships, and a range of other matters, but my point is a simple one. The state of ministry in your church, it’s growth or decline, the condition of relationships and health of leadership is affected by multiple factors, a perfect storm.
How do Christians, and especially ministry leaders navigate the perfect storm? While there is no short, sweet, and easy answer, let me share a few thoughts to consider.
Remember that our God remains in control, and He continues to love and work through His church. In the Great Commission, the command to make disciples is prefaced by the reminder, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” (Jesus, Matt. 28:18). He concludes, “And behold, I am with you always,” (vs. 20). That means, even now, Christ is with His church. His power is at work.
Understand that, while you may believe you know what’s happening and how to fix it, none of us know all we need to know. It’s tempting to assess the landscape, identify something as the problem, then push a solution. But I’ve yet to meet any single individual with a perfect grasp on God’s word or their congregation. There is just too much of that fallen nature still within us. And so, we need each other.
I find it interesting that, in Romans 15, Paul calls the strong to “…bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,” (vs. 1-2). Part of the concern here, I believe, is that we can’t let secondary matters divide us. We discern His path through the storms as we serve Him together.
Double down on grace and kindness, for relationships matter. Storms bring stress. Multiple storms bring more stress. Stressed leaders may not know the next step as quickly as members would like. And, speaking from experience, stress often brings out the worst aspects of our character.
My point is that, in times of great stress, it is essential that God’s people show grace and kindness to one another, even amidst frustration or disagreement. I love how, even though Paul publicly rebuked Peter at Antioch (Gal. 2:11-14), Peter later affirms Paul’s ministry, calling him “our beloved brother,” (2 Peter 3:15). I can’t say what exactly transpired, but somehow these two great men of God realized they were inseparably bound together in Christ. So should we all.
Finally, make disciples for Jesus Christ. This is the Great Commission. We’re called to make disciples, who in turn make disciples. When the storm hits, the captain must have a steady hand on the wheel, a firm understanding where he is on the charts, and apply his seamanship to his situation. He knows what his ship can take and how to steer it through rough currents. But, ultimately, his task is to reach his destination. If he doesn’t do that, none of the rest matters.
Our task is making disciples. Whenever the storms push us off course and away from disciple making, we need to assess our situation and take the clearest path back to the task, lest we get lost in the storm.
The perfect storm of 1991 sank the Andrea Gail, but the perfect storm of 2021 need not claim yours or any congregation. So batten down the hatches, get a steady hand on the wheel, and let’s sail into 2022 for His glory.