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Leadership Opportunities in this VUCA Moment: Personal Growth

The current pandemic is only one example of the VUCA--volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous--world in which we live.  We have experienced other wrenching moments in our lives, but this one has come with rapidity, power, and breadth that hits us like a bucket of cold water.  These are the moments that challenge, stretch, and remold us.  Even the church and its leaders can learn from this experience and find ways to strengthen its mission during this turbulent time.

THNK recently posted a blog suggesting how organizations can take advantage of this crucible moment.  This is an opportunity for personal growth, reforging relationships, and reimagining our work.  In this blog, I will address the first topic as it applies to the church.

You would think that personal growth--both personal and communal-- would always be at the top of the agenda for Christian leaders, but this emphasis often losses out to more mundane concerns.  Here are three key ways to emphasis personal growth during this time.

First, accept and find meaning in the crisis. Author Scott Berinato suggests that some of the pain we feel in this crisis is the grief for a world that we see slipping away.  Just as some churches and their leaders think they are getting a grasp on survival in the contemporary culture, that tenuous grip is slipping away.  This is a time for Christians to reaffirm a commitment to a God who is faithful in all circumstances.  The prophet Isaiah reminds us:

 

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)


Second, recognize the implications of the changing context.  One implication is that your ministry priorities may well shift.  During this time, effectiveness in pulpit delivery may not be as important as biblical insight dealing with fear, loss, and grief.  Good organizational leadership may still be important but pastoral care may increase in priority.  Perhaps there are some skills you have neglected that you need to access.  Certainly, there are certain church functions that are no longer necessary or even possible, but others that we have not practiced become more important.

Third, build your personal resilience. Remember the airplane announcement, “Please secure your own oxygen mask before trying to assist others.”  Take care of yourself emotionally, spiritually, physically, and relationally.  Also remind yourself that everyone is in a learning mode here; none of us have done this before and we are seeking answers and best practices.  Our job descriptions don’t cover some of the things we are called to do now.

Unfortunately, growth always comes with a certain amount of stress and distress.  Embrace it and learn from it.




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