Trust the Story

Moving through the Lenten season draws us near to Easter and the story of the resurrection.  On one level, this is joyful and exciting.  On another level, especially for pastors, the nearing of Easter can bring pressure and anxiety.  Holy Week is often filled with extra services.  Easter Sunday can come with a higher level of expectation.  What can we do in this midst of this crunch time to care for ourselves as pastors, shepherds, and congregational leaders?

Perhaps a good place to start is to remind ourselves that the story itself is where the power lies.  The scenes of Holy Week—Palm Sunday, the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest and trial, and Jesus’ crucifixion, are stories that are so powerful that they stand on their own in our Christian heritage.  While we might have a homiletical and liturgical responsibility to bring these stories to life in a contextual way, the power really does lie in the stories themselves.  Remembering this and leaning into the stories that shape our faith can relive some of the pressure from the pastor thinking that they have the responsibility of making Holy Week meaningful.  Similarly, the same is true, maybe even more so, for Easter Sunday.  

Another important consideration in this season is how pastors are caring for themselves as the intensity of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, ramps up.  Because of the responsibilities at this time of the year are so intense it is absolutely critical to stay focused on the spiritual formation practices, healthy habits, and well-being essentials that allow us to lead in the way in which God would have us to lead.  

Here at Chrysalis we are praying for pastors and church leaders in this holy time.  We know how significant this season is, and we understand how difficult it can be.  If you find yourself in need of support or assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.  

With Hope!

The Chrysalis Team