E N DU R A N C E
Profiles of Perseverance Pastoring in a Pandemic
PASTORAL MINISTRY IS HARD - it got really hard in 2020 – really, really hard. But - pure joy? Really? A glimpse into the hearts of three pastors shows us how we can…Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
A Prisoner of Hope (ZECHARIAH 9:12) “That was the worst sermon ever,” said Pastor Ismael Flores (’00), as he walked off the stage after the first virtual Sunday service at South Austin (TX) Church of the Nazarene. That was March of 2020 and the SNU alum was navigating the uncharted, unprecedented shutdown of in-person worship. Pastor Flores relates that it took him about three weeks to feel some level of comfort in preaching to only a camera. But with the dedication of a volunteer tech crew, they persevered. As with all congregations, there were challenges early on related to connectivity and finances, but “as our people became more familiar with online worship, and by offering several ways to give, our
20
SNU MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021
church community has continued their excellent support of the ministry of Iglesia Sur Austin,” he said. As a result of live streaming their services, Pastor Flores saw an exciting trend of viewers joining online for services from across their state, the nation and several Central and South American countries. But, how to connect? How do you disciple this new ‘online’ church? There were faith-building times as their teens worshiped together on Zoom, and times of great sadness as many in their children’s ministry suffered from the lack of a hug from their workers and being with friends.
u disciple "How do yo ‘online’ this new church?"
Pastor Ismael Flores ('00)
Through it all, Pastor Flores testifies to the great faithfulness of God as He has worked in their midst. “Like the prophet Zechariah, I am a ‘prisoner of hope’ because the hope of Jesus in these strange and difficult times gives me the strength to persevere.”
SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
