Leadership In a Pandemic Crisis

Britannica.com describes a dark day in our history, “The September 11th attacks were the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history. The attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C. caused extensive death and destruction and triggered an enormous U.S. effort to combat terrorism. Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed after the passengers attempted to retake the plane). Police and fire departments in New York were especially hard-hit: hundreds had rushed to the scene of the attacks, and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed.”  
                       
These brave men and women showed courageous leadership during one of our nation’s darkest times.

Today we face a pandemic attack on our health. The same tactics are used in leadership like I used during September 11th.

Both our nation and our churches still need courageous leaders. Leaders who are willing to do the hard things in hard places because they believe strongly in something bigger than themselves. Courage is not the absence of fear. However, courage is the action in spite of fear. God reminds us of a story of a leadership transition that was not easy. Moses to Joshua. Moses dies, and now Joshua finds himself in charge and having to fight battle after battle. God tells him to be strong and be of good courage. We need this today, especially during a pandemic crisis.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Courageous leaders remain faithful when it seems they’re ineffective. They stay strong inside keep a positive outlook. We saw hero after hero rescue, fight and defend our nation during a dark time in our country. However, we must continue to do the same thing spiritually.

You see, the real heroes in ministry are those who keep the faith:
· in obscure places without much encouragement.
· in spite of shaky marriages or unsupportive mates.
· even though children are rebellious and resentful.
· through tough personal circumstances.

This is you and me. The pandemic has taught me six requirements for faithfulness in leadership when you are under attack or in a dark time:

1. Be transparent about your fears, and feelings.
2. Share the platform with a team you can trust.
3. Be willing to be taken for granted in time of need.
4. Endure criticism from many platforms.
5. Accept the loss of friendships.
6. Overlook people’s faults and keep the big picture in mind.
   
   

Why? Because courageous leaders remain faithful when it seems they’re ineffective. In leadership, you make the best decisions that you can despite how you feel. Learning to build teams when you feel alone is a good thing. Learning to be open on your feelings is an excellent way for others to come beside you and help you process the issue without objection.

Stop and pray for our nation for the many things that are happening. Be strong and be courageous. Stay Encouraged!