In 2008 Colin Marshall and Tony Payne published a book titled, “The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-shift that Changes Everything.”  Near the end of the book the authors provide a thought experiment:

The first worrying signs of a swine-flu pandemic are making headlines around the world.  Imagine that the pandemic swept through your part of the world. And that all public assemblies of more than three people were banned by the government for reasons of public health and safety.  And let’s say that due to some catastrophic combination of local circumstances, this ban had to remain in place for 18 months. 

Whoa.  That’s why I read books.

Marshall and Payne ask the question: If you were the pastor, what would you do?   

I know a large number of congregation members will read this post, but I want to specifically address the pastors who will stumble upon these thoughts.

Here’s a list, free from explanation, of things I want to do in effort to pastor during a pandemic.  This list is comprised of my successes, failures, lessons learned, and plans for the future.  I pray it helps.

Pastoring in Pandemic

1. Preach the Word
2. Preach the Word to yourself
3. Pray
4. Pray some more
5. Pray even more
6. Don’t short change your family
7. Give your family extra
8. Equip people: staff, leaders, members
9. Write plans in pencil
10. Write plans in pencil … and keep an eraser handy
11. See the church as bigger than YOUR church
12. Root for other churches
13. Call friends
14. Share your burdens
15. Remember: God called you to pastor a local church … not the Internet
16. Remember: You pastor people … not numbers and views
17. Rest
18. Call church members – check on them, pray for them.
19. Write things down.  Keep records.  You’ll want to share these stories.
20. Don’t merely solve problems.  Make things better.
21. Love your people
22. Love your community
23. Be a fountain not a drain
24. Smile
25. Confess your limited wisdom and strength

Pastors, my list in not exhaustive.  What would you add?