Last week, the worship program was packed, guests were plentiful, and excitement was in the air.

The Sunday that follows Easter is typically a significant letdown for pastors. Attendance will return to normal, and often below average. The offering will be substantially less. Many guests will not return. The excitement is gone, and the shift toward summer takes over.

Let me be brutally honest: it is emotionally challenging for a pastor. The first four months of the year are exciting, and the last four are exciting as well, but the middle four can be a grind. Over the next six weeks, numerous pastors will slip into despair, with many moving and others quitting the ministry entirely.

You can criticize my assessment, saying that pastors need to grow spiritually, and rebuke me for stating something that all pastors feel but are afraid to speak out loud (due to criticism, judgment, and rebuke). That’s fine; I can take it.

What your Church and pastor need from you over the next few months is YOU. We need you to stay engaged. We want you to keep growing spiritually. We desire for you to continue in worship and not spend every weekend at the lake or chasing travel sports. We need you to give so that ministry can continue. We want you to stay a part of the fellowship. Most of all, we need your love and support.

This Sunday will begin a time of transition for most Churches. Whether the outcome is good or bad, the choice is yours.