We take a lesson where we can find it—even on National Public Radio. On Weekend Edition Saturday, host Scott Simon interviewed the owner of three restaurants in Albuquerque, New Mexico, about the challenges of coming back from COVID. Her remarks caught my attention on two points—employees and customers—and made me think about our churches.
Now, I know that we should avoid thinking of our staff leaders as “employees” and that congregants are not really “customers” (although some think they are), but there are some insights here for those who serve and especially for recipients of that service.
First, she pointed out, “There's a lot of pressure on the team that is in place. We don't have a lot of depth to allow people time off, to allow people a break. We're losing the people that have been here because they're exhausted, fatigued because we're so short-staffed.”
This is certainly true of ministers. Clergy stress is at an unprecedented high. Although much of the evidence has been anecdotal, many of us see a trend of clergy leaving leadership roles in congregations, if not the ministry. I learned of two more this past week. This trend is starting to generate some serious research by seminary and denominational leaders. We may also be seeing fewer responding to the call to Christian ministry.
Second, she talked about the difficulties with customers: “There's a lot [of our customers] that are really great and wonderful and supportive. But there's a percentage, a higher percentage than I've ever seen in this industry, that are agitated, angry, frustrated. They don't understand that this is not the same as it was before. They don't understand why things might take longer, why they can't make a reservation or why they can't get seated as quickly as they wanted to or whatever the reason. And so they hit a boiling point much faster, and they take it out on the employees.”
Certainly, those of us who have been active in congregations see this trend, often experiencing it ourselves! We were ready to get back to in person worship and Bible study, ministry activities, fellowship events—and it’s not happening yet. We are slow to realize “this is not the same as it was before.” Some need a focus for their anger and frustration and take it out on church staff.
How do we respond? The restaurant owner herself commented, “Patience is something I'm preaching [this was her word] from the inside and from the outside. So if I go to a restaurant or people go, please be patient, be understanding. And from the inside, too, we also have to be patient and understanding 'cause it's hard for us, too.”
The church is stronger than the pandemic, but that strength comes from adherence to our faith, trust in God, commitment to our community of faith, and love for those who lead us. Let’s cut each other some slack and realize that we are in unknown territory. This is a liminal time and an opportunity for us to pull together as we pursue a new future.
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