Pre-pandemic, I had an office.

It wasn’t a large office, but it was a comfortable workspace with an L-shaped desk and a few chairs for people to come visit, or to hold small meetings of 2 or 3. It also had some personal touches; photos, artwork, and even a decorative old fishing rod hanging on the wall.

Now, I no longer have an office. But I am 100% okay with that!

Our church was built in the ’60s.

It’s a smaller A-frame-style church, like many other built in that era. There was always limited office space, even before the pandemic. Nevertheless, as Lead Pastor, I always had a ‘space’ to call my own, just off to the backside of the auditorium.

Like every other pastor, COVID-19 turned our world from physical to digital in a hurry. We scrambled at the start, recording the message, announcements, and music, all from the stage in one shot. It was so cumbersome!

Everyone had to remain silent during each segment; mess-ups would cause re-recording, and a lag in the whole process. That would lead to frustration among team members. It wasn’t a good situation at all.

We needed a recording studio.

When considering the location, and access to equipment that would be needed, I knew that there was only one room that made sense: My office.

Within a couple of weeks, the artwork, family photos, and my old fishing rod were taken off the walls. They were replaced with black, floor-to-ceiling soundproofing squares. My workspace and furniture were removed and replaced with a backdrop, a bar table and a stool, along with some tripods and lighting.

My office was gone, but our little ol’ A-frame church had a recording studio! Soon enough, cables were run to and from the sound booth, and once cameras were connected, everything worked so much better than before.

Although we still record everything on a single evening throughout the week, the sermon and the announcements can be recorded separately in the studio while musicians, vocalists, and tech crew quietly set up for worship recording on the stage. It has saved us so much time and prevented so many headaches!

It was completely the right decision!

Now I am a completely mobile pastor. Sometimes I set-up in an area at the church. Other times, I work in coffee shops. If needed, I have a small workstation set up in the basement of our home. And I still have zero regrets!

To be honest, I have no desire to move back into my office. It is being used in such a great capacity for the Gospel! Even now, that we’ve moved into this hybrid, physical-digital style of ministry, it’s amazing to have a ready-to-go recording space when we need it.

God gave us the insight to transform the traditional “pastor’s office” into something truly amazing. And I am so thankful that He did!

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

• What changes did your church make during the pandemic?
• What changes will remain post-pandemic?