St. Paul Lutheran Church Pastor Joel McKenney is relying on a higher power when it comes to getting through the pandemic. A survey done by the Wisconsin Council of Churches earlier this year offers a sobering view of the stress the pandemic has put clergy members through over the last several months. The survey shows that 10 percent of the clergy had their employment threatened because of the pandemic and 25 percent shared they considered retiring or resigning due to it because of the stress it was putting on the relationship with their parish and their families. St. Paul’s has been able to reopen partially for in-person services as well offering them online and on the radio. The Algoma church remains open to meet community needs, but McKenney admits the lower attendance has limited their ability to give back.  He says all pastors are lucky to have one to turn to in these times.

McKenney credits their church’s leadership and their member for being able to stay safe and help make tough decisions when necessary. The Wisconsin Council of Churches is urging people support local congregation’s ministries and clergy members that help provide them. St. Paul Lutheran Church services can be heard on Sundays at 9 a.m. on 96.7 WBDK.