With news of the spread of coronavirus, government authorities have taken appropriate steps to avoid accelerating to the top of the contagion curve. The intent behind these determinations is that if the curve is less severe, the health system will not be overloaded and will. Being able to better care for covid-19 victims. In this sense, the population was advised to escape the settlements and social distance became a new norm. Isolation is a “bitter medicine” but necessary today.
Working together to avoid crowds, schools suspended face-to-face activities, or students’ first vacations, companies opted for their employees’ work at home, and commerce was limited to basic needs. Sports activities that attracted a large number of spectators were cancelled and The Brazilian football schedule underwent changes; In addition, churches had to change the dynamics of their public meetings, as temples were closed to the general public. Adapting to this new reality has been very difficult for everyone, because our generation and culture have never experienced anything like this.
- Social distance is painful for all.
- But especially for Christians who are biblically called to meet regularly (see He 10.
- 25).
- However.
- Christians are also invited to walk cautiously.
- “not as fools.
- But as wise and redeeming times.
- For the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16).
- On these “bad days.
- ” especially given the speed of coronavirus spread.
- Social isolation is necessary for personal protection and the preservation of life.
- Even for many members of the Christian family.
But the fact that there are closed temples does not mean that the churches are inactive; In fact, some temples are closed, but church leaders are increasingly open to new ideas for building their members. Faced with the challenge of continuing to care for sheep, Shepherds seek wisdom, creativity and the use of appropriate tools for remote grazing. Pastoral care should not be interrupted, even in a context of social isolation.
We know that pastors have a responsibility to equip the Saints to “perform their service, for the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). But how can this be done when the sheep are scattered, every family at home, without being able to move to receive food and instructions in public worship?Technology is certainly a fundamental tool in this regard and social networks can be used in a positive way. , some practical pastoral care must be taken in any context, including remote grazing. Some of these precautions are listed below.
1. Be proactive. Contrary to what some people think, this is not the time to stand by and wait for time to “pass. “Some will be tempted to seek an atmosphere of refuge, taking care of themselves and their families, waiting only for the calm of the proactive person, however, he will interpret these days as “full of opportunities”. For example, social isolation forces families to be more united, which can contribute to the rediscovery of domestic worship, family scripture study, and The Forgotten Use of Christian Catechisms. Pastors can provide biblical and practical advice on these important exercises so that their sheep can continue to feed on the Word, even when they are not allowed to meet regularly. The proactive shepherd strives to reach his sheep, though virtually.
2. Be creative. Many churches that have suspended their regular activities have turned to online messaging. In addition, some small groups can continue through virtual meetings. Many programs available on the Internet promote these encounters, making it possible to continue practicing discipleship. But what else can be done?
The current context calls on church leaders to be creative in raising their sheep, in this sense, some people have used Facebook to provide material that helps parents in the biblical teaching of their children, especially since their children are at home and have a lot. Other pastors use Facebook to offer daily devotions to their sheep at lunchtime, when the whole family can read the devotion gathered around the table. These days of intense anxiety require the creativity of the shepherds, because believers need more encouragement from the scriptures and we must be creative in caring for our sheep.
3. Be consistent. Before announcing a new program or idea to the church, it is best to calculate the costs, as instability can interfere with any ministerial, real or virtual expression, so by announcing a new measure it is best to be sure that you will be able to achieve what is planned, since an inconsistency can discourage some people. It is better to start with ‘some innovations’, but be consistent with each proposed activity.
Consistent attitude should occur not only in terms of frequency in relation to the proposed activity, but also in terms of programming time, i. e. whether church members are a sure that online programming will always have the same time, it will be easier for church members. organize their schedules in order to participate. In addition, consistency with respect to content needs to be taken into account. No one likes to leave their daily activities alone by a “cat” without purpose or substance. Therefore, this aspect must also be taken into account.
4. Be relevant. The longer this crisis lasts, the more likely it is that more people will lose their jobs, become anxious and afraid of the new disease, and do not know what to do. In addition, isolation can be interesting the first week, but terribly painful over time. Not all church members will take the initiative to seek out the pastor or other church leader at this time. To avoid this distress, the message conveyed by church leadership must always be relevant and try to speak to the heart in these difficult times.
In this context, being relevant may include the need for a conversation about the economic situation of some, the family relationship of others, etc. , that is, each interaction must be intended for the service of someone, which will in fact strengthen them. Again, it is important to remember Paul’s words: “Don’t let your mouth [or your fingers, typing] annoying words, but only one that is good to build, if necessary, and therefore thank you for listening to them. ? (Ephesians 4. 29).
5. Be strategic. Any interaction with the members of your church must be done in a “surgical” way, that is, using the time given correctly, in this sense a good strategy to follow involves:
The longer the period of isolation and social detachment, the more careful Church leaders must be to establish these contacts more often. As the situation remains confusing for everyone, it is important to review some strategies all the time.
In the end, leading in practice is something new and stimulating for all church leaders, it does not even seem, in fact, a flock for some, in the situation we find ourselves in, however, it is a viable measure. wise and take advantage of the opportunities and tools available at this time and, in this context of social isolation, the alternatives do not leave us many options, ideally in every interaction he has with his sheep, the shepherd exhorts them to pray, trusting in the grace and provision of the Lord God who sustains us.