While attempting to make sense of our global pandemic some have used the motif of winter, blizzard, and ice-age to frame the dialogue for comprehension of what is happening to our world. Mark Sayers, author and Pastor in Melbourne, Australia suggests the framework should center on Interruption versus Disruption. Consider the following definitions.[1]
- Interruption – It is a late 14th century term that implies to break in upon action already occurring. A pause, a temporary cessation. KEY QUESTION: “How do I get through this pandemic so that we can do what we were doing?”
- Disruption – It is a late 15th century term that implies a bursting apart, forcible separation into parts, to shatter. KEY QUESTION: “How do I change what I was doing so that I can lead in a new world?”
Pause for just a moment and realize that these opening words are in fact a glimpse into the magnitude of what has happened in our world. It is stretching our beliefs, convictions, and world views about ourselves and global leadership. We are searching for a verbal framework in which to deposit our thoughts so that our story can be told and heard. For purposes of the debate of which motif best frames our thoughts, I believe Pastor Sayers gives us a usable way in which to have conversation; is this pandemic an interruption or disruption?
The Key questions above expresses the real issue; get through this pandemic so that we can go back to normal or realize that normal is gone and I must prepare for a new world. The tension between an interruption versus a disruption expresses polar extremes. History teaches us that somewhere in between extremes is where reality will land. I am not a prognosticator to tell you that I have this pandemic figured out. Any person that tells us they have it figured out should be viewed with suspicion. What is helpful is to consider some faith-community data points pre-Covid and real-time data points. The comparison should give us a context for conversation.
In 2011 the Barna Group stated the North American church had a drop-out problem; 52% of 18-26 years of age (High School Seniors – College – College Graduates: Raised or became attendees in church). This research was placed in the book You Lost Me, by David Kinnaman. Today that same category reports that 64% of 18-26-year old are dropping away from faith[2]. Pre-Covid, it was reported that young adults were spending on average 2767 hours per year on digital screens (that is equal to 346/8hr work days) for their entertainment and social networking. On average this age group spends between 150-190 hours per year on spiritual development in church or on screens.[3] The conclusion for Faith in North America is that families (because of their increased pace of life) and churches seem to have lost their way in discipleship.
So where are we in real-time? It is being reported from weekly Pastor and Church surveys by the Barna Group since the quarantine began that young pastors (Those that stayed with church at the time You Lost Me was wrote in 2011) as of May 4th, 2020 have a serious lack of confidence of surviving in the ministry post-Covid. In fact, the data reports a 23% gap of confidence between young pastors and those over 45 years of age surviving after the pandemic. Women in ministry are the most vulnerable in terms of their survivability – their confidence is being seriously shaken about their future in ministry. It is now being reported that 20%-32% of churches are at risk of keeping their doors open. These churches are small to medium in size that have lost attendees and finances with no reserve to lean on.[4]
Returning to the original question, Is this an Interruption or Disruption? This definitely is more than an interruption. Disruption? This is going to depend on the local churches to assess their faith history and goals. The various data points mentioned thus far impact certain regions verses others, The interpretation and call to action is going to look and feel differently regionally. We should all assume that change is necessary in order for the mandate of the gospel to be fulfilled. The passion for the fulfilling of the Gospel mandate will determine the extent of the disruption.
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[1] www.etymonline.com – ACCESSSED 7 May, 2020.
[2] www.churchpulseweekly.org Podcast. ACCESSED 4 May, 2020.
[3] David Kinnaman & Mark Matlock. Faith For Exiles. (Baker: Grand Rapids
[4] www.churchpulseweekly.org Podcast. ACCESSED 4 May, 2020.
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