Every morning, whether on the news, on social media, or in your email inbox, there is some reference to the “unprecedented times” we are living through. Needless to say, the unique realities we’ve faced in 2020 are causing each of us to flex and stretch in new ways. As a consulting group that uses assessments to guide churches through pastor transitions, we have noted an interesting change in our work with candidates taking the StrengthsFinder assessment. I would call it the rise of Focus.

In StrengthsFinder language, Focus is a theme that is goal-oriented and “in the zone” when it comes to figuring out how to make something happen. It comes from the group of Executing strengths, meaning it describes how people get things done. People with Focus prioritize, then act. They can take direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. It is a goal-oriented strength that can be intense and single-minded. Getting to the destination is a driver of Focus, and people operating with this strength bring clarity through concentration and perseverance.

We have been assessing pastors using StrengthsFinder for years. During that time, we have seen this strength in a pastor’s “top 5” only a handful of times. Statistically, it should show up in the general population less than two percent of the time. In the last six months, it has been popping up with regularity, in over 20 percent of our candidates. This change caught the attention of our assessment team. Why is Focus on the rise, and what is the implication of this uncommon pastoral strength emerging in this season?

Pastors are having to Focus in new ways. They have to figure out and set new priorities for the ministry. They are being asked to Focus on and assess the input, insight, and instruction of state governments and national church leaders. Some are required to lead, manage, and support the work of decentralized teams. There are new concerns about the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of congregants and how best to understand and meet them where they’re at. There are questions about congregational retention, the long-term impact to finances, and potential shifts in overall direction. Many pastors have young families at home, requiring them to apply new levels of attention and engagement on the homefront. They are having to avoid tangents and laser in on what is essential during a time where many different things feel equally important. They are trying to create new normals and a sense of order in the midst of a very chaotic time.

In our experience, Focus isn’t a common “Top 5” strength for pastors. Most of us can operate outside of our natural strengths for a given period of time, but the longer that time goes on, the higher the cost. It’s like writing with your non-dominant hand. You can do it if you have to, but it takes more time, energy, and focus to get it done. And often, the results look a little less fluid and natural.

The challenge for pastors and other leaders who may be drawing upon a non-dominant Focus strength is sustainability. “How long do I have to do this?” The nature of the “unprecedented times” we are in means we can’t know how long it will last. But, since we are in it together, we can certainly support one another through it. Here are several suggestions:

  • Acknowledge your identity in Christ. Pastors are often so focused on others they forget about their own spiritual formation. You are a pastor, yes. But more importantly, you are a child of God. You are a leader, yes. But, you are also a follower of Jesus. God cares so much more about who you are than what you do for Him. Lean into that truth. Take time each day to be with the One who loves you more than you can imagine.
  • Lift your head up and remember you are not alone. Your fellow pastors across the country (and across town) are all in the same boat. Reach out and talk to others who share similar challenges. They say misery loves company, so it might feel good to hear that someone else is struggling too. More importantly, this is a season to encourage one another and pray for one another.
  • Access the strengths of others. The Body of Christ is intended to be interdependent. You were never intended to do it by yourself. It is human nature to want to hide or isolate when we feel weak, confused, or needy. Let your brothers and sisters in Christ come alongside you. We all feel it in one way or another. Lead yourself first. Ask for help. Be vulnerable. Allow others to bring their unique gifts and strengths to you during this season of Focus.
  • Tell yourself the truth. This pandemic did not surprise God. He is still on the throne. One of the most amazing truths we see over and over again in Scripture is how God flips the script. From man’s perspective, it is the end of the story, but from God’s perspective, we are just getting to the good part. We may think this pandemic has the power to destroy what we have labored to accomplish, but what if it is just the beginning of an era of innovation and opportunity in the Church…and for you?