(This is Part 1 in our series as we look at heart postures and strategies for connecting with ministry partners during the coronavirus pandemic.)
No battle plan survives first contact.
It is a strategic fact that the best made plans won’t last after meeting reality, one must adapt to the circumstances presented. This is true in partnership development too. The internet goes out, it’s suddenly Christmas and no one is available, you have a family emergency, or maybe there is a global pandemic.
So then, what must we do? Before unpacking some really practical suggestions about communication and adaptation—let’s start with God. Remember where our hope lies for our safety, for the world, and for provision today and tomorrow: “…we trust in the Lord. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). There is a higher calling for us, not just as support raisers but as followers of Christ. We love. That is always the call of the church. We do not give in to a spirit of fear, blame, or disrespect to our elected officials and medical professionals. We always respond by displaying the love of Christ to each other and our world.
Also, we rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Phil 4:4-5).
It is easy to fall back on worry, fear, or panic during this time of constant TV and radio updates. Closures and cancelations are happening right and left and to walk into a grocery store is to run the gauntlet. Paul reminds us to refocus on the Lord, and not just in desperation, but with rejoicing. He is GOD. And He is near. In the midst of this crisis, we believers have a message to share with those paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Let’s be ready to share the hope we have in Christ. Everyone around us is looking for hope, now that need is maybe a little more tangible than otherwise.
Let’s be prepared to let our light shine brightly. And when the world asks us where God can be in the middle of such chaos, we can answer, “God is here. He is with us. And He is in control.”
Now that our foundation is resettled and we are oriented once again towards God, we can start looking at how we live that out practically, especially with our partners.
Survival Guide to Raising Support During the Coronavirus – Part 1
Should I Even Be Raising Support Right Now? – Part 2
