Reflection Essay Looking Back at Ministry During the Pandemic
Our MLI Instructional Cohort met on Zoom several times in 2020 and early 2021.
Reflection Essay — Youth & Children's Ministry Critical During Pandemic
By Matt Vaughan, MLI Director
This has been a tough, character-building year for those who serve in ministry. Notably, the Barna Group conducted a study of pastors during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, confirming the difficulty of leading youth and children's ministry in the midst of the pandemic.
The study found "half of pastors agree that ministry to kids and youth is the largest challenge they are facing right now."
Members of the MLI cohort recognized this challenge. While all of them are tasked with leading youth and children's ministry, they've all adapted to support their pastors and their churches. They helped with technology, family outreach, and mission. And, they've been connectors between churches, pastors, and families in need.
Likewise, in the study, pastors noticed how overwhelmed parents felt during the height of the pandemic – 97% of them shared concerns about families in their churches.
Unfortunately, the stress on church leaders over the last year has taken a toll. A more recent follow-up study by the Barna Group found "roughly three in five pastors say that they have struggled with depression during their tenure of ministry," an increase since the last study was conducted in 2016.
These statistics are alarming. Yet, we're seeing good news in 2021. There are lower infection rates. We're slowly returning to in-person group events. However, the long-term effects of the pandemic on churches is yet unknown.
One thing is certain – the church has always been called upon in the midst of crises. Another Barna Study found that "Christians in crisis go to the church, with one in four (25%) practicing Christians reporting that they have gone to someone at a church or parish to seek help with trauma."
One of the researchers, Pete Scazzero, advocates that pastors and church leaders confront the grief and stress caused by crisis. He said, "You need time to grieve, you need time to listen to God, you need time to feel, you need time to have fun."
We've all experienced grief and trauma over the last year. I've spoken to several pastors who conducted memorial services online, or graveside prayers with just a few family members. The losses have been hard.
Our MLI coaches have been advocating sabbath, self-care, and structure. We know ministry is harder than ever before. And yet, God calls us to this place of ministry to love, care, and open connections to the Holy Spirit.
God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.