COVID-19: May 28 Update from Co-EP Scott Lumsden

Some of you may have read the article The Coming Pastoral Crash by John Dobbs. It’s gotten a lot of attention in pastor circles lately for obvious reasons. The article asserts that because of the unprecedented challenges of adjusting to COVID-19, many pastors are destined for burnout. It’s a short read and for what it’s worth I have similar concerns, however as I was reading it I kept thinking, “yes, but what can we do to avoid or mitigate this coming ‘crash?’” He has some good ideas at the end that need a little more development, but I’m wondering what you're doing to adjust to these challenges. Here are some things I’ve noticed. 

Finding a New Rhythm  

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds these days. Everyday there’s new information to digest, new data to analyze, and lots of little nuances to pick up on as we try to navigate daily life. And that’s just before our morning coffee. Then there’s church life -- sermon, worship, staff meeting, session/committee meetings -- and before you know it, you’re zoomed out. 

If you haven’t found it yet, I’d encourage you to find a new rhythm -- with yourself, your staff, and your session. It’s simply not possible (or healthy) to keep everything going as before. Naming those things that are most important right now and doing them (and letting some other things go for now) is holy work (and enough).  

Taking Breaks

Yet even doing this holy (reprioritized) work takes about twice as long as it used to. A pastor told me recently that though his sermon is shorter, his sermon prep takes about the same amount of time, but then to this he adds the video part -- recording it, and editing his “sermon” (adding about a day to his normal routine). 

Though it’s a bit counterintuitive to take good (even long) breaks -- finding some chunks in the day to regroup and recharge have been life giving for me. It’s true I’m not as “productive” as I was before, but by taking some quality time during the day for my own daily renewal allows me to stay engaged. As I’ve shared before, I have my good days and my bad days, but despite this I’ve made most of my meetings.  

Connect with Friends

Another thing that I’ve noticed is that I need to have some social connection with friends throughout the day. Whether it’s a call, a zoom, or a physically distant happy hour in someone’s yard, these times to renew relationships have been the thing that has kept me going. It takes a little work and some time (sometimes even in the middle of the day), but these connections have reminded me that I’m not alone and that we’ll get through this. Heck, a few days this was my “work” for the day. Yes, it’s that important (see above). 

Most recently, I’ve had a weekly reunion of sorts with my seminary buddies. Though we text and call from time to time, we haven’t seen each other together for at least 10 years. Well, now it’s every Thursday -- and we’re adding a new person each week to catch up with. 

What Are You Doing?  

So, as you reach the end of this letter, it’s probably no surprise to you that I’m taking a few days off to go hiking -- three days, two nights with my two daughters and my hiking buddies along the West Fork of the Dosewallips River. It’s just three days but it’s time doing something I enjoy with people I love. We’ll give ourselves a good six feet, but we’ll also share some quality time in the wilderness. 

What are you doing to pace yourself for the long haul? What new rhythms have you discovered? What do you do to get “breaks” to regroup and recharge? And what connections are you nurturing to feed your soul in this wilderness?  

I continue to pray for you and our churches and for God to show us the holy work in this season. And as I do I pray for times of rest and reconnection, for renewal and hope for all of us. 

Scott Lumsden

Co-Executive Presbyter