We have tossed around the words “pivot” and “unprecedented” more in this season than any other. Companies, organizations, and churches will continue to engage the question – what does this “new normal” look like for the people we serve?
During the 2010 decade, it seemed like craft breweries opened in every city and locality. These small operations competed significantly with the larger distributors.
What’s the draw of craft breweries? Bart Watson, the chief economist for the Brewers Association, said this:
“With small breweries in every state and nearly every congressional district in the country, craft brewers are a vital and growing part of the economy in cities and towns all across the country. Beer lovers are spending their dollars by supporting small and independent brewers in their local communities and across the country, and its positive impact is evident nationwide.”
Bart Watson in Forbes Magazine – Click here for the article.
Craft Breweries can teach pastors and church leaders an incredible principle – local matters.
Often, church leaders have wondered about their value as compared to megachurches or influential pastors. People have more access to podcasts, videos, and church services than ever before. Those national ministries can speak to the broader issues within the nation and world, but they do not have a pulse on what your town, city, county, or state faces.
Local matters, especially in churches, because people want to be connected to others in their community.
Your voice and presence as a church leader matters. Overnight, churches had to figure out how to digitally connect people during a shutdown. The attenders and members of churches engaged with content online, reaching their friends, family members, coworkers, and beyond. You can start to connect the dots.
Also, pastors have the critical opportunity to engage in issues relevant to the communities they serve. They can become part of celebrating and supporting the community. As Jeff Henderson has advocated, church leaders need to communicate how they are “for” their cities (https://jeffhenderson.com/).
Churches like craft breweries have the unique invitation to become a part of the fabric of the community. They can interview local leaders on their podcasts. They can share photos online with individuals serving outside the church. The local digital content can help those in your area who are spiritually seeking answers in this dark time.
Never forget that God has placed you exactly where you are to make a difference motivated by the gospel. Local matters to the heart of Jesus.
I wonder what it would like for churches to pivot in this unprecedented time to serve the local community in the ways they need it the most.