| In times of crisis, hurting people want a relevant response. We heard this longing in the fatigue with the phrase "thoughts and prayers" after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Hurting people want a response to their pain that meets their pain in meaningful, not trite, ways.
It's in these times of crisis, like after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that your church has never been more relevant and necessary. It's because we are people of faith, believing in the power of prayer, that we offer our prayers. But more than that, we can be present and provide stabilizing, spiritual support to people in pain. Ministry is a verb. Ministry is action. And during times of crisis, crisis response is the effective and appropriate response ministry.
Crisis response ministry is an organized, compassionate and spiritual response provided by specially-trained clergy and lay-ministers.
The concept of crisis is often misunderstood - especially by those in crisis. Many people think that crisis must be a "newsworthy" event. In fact, crisis isn't even the event. Instead, it's a condition (or state of being) that happens as a result of a critical event. Crisis is the natural and expected reaction to an unnatural and unexpected event.
The level of crisis isn't determined by how big or small the event; it's determined by one's personal connection to the event.
Want to quickly assess potential for crisis following a tragedy? Ask these questions: - Does the person perceive the event as unexpected? Did the person see it coming? Or, do they feel like they were caught off guard?
- Does the person feel like the event was powerful, intense or severe? Do they feel off balance or overwhelmed as a result of the event?
- Does the person feel personally involved with the event? If the person was not directly involved in the event, do they feel connected to the people, places and/or things involved in the event?
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