Crisis Management

As LH Group Leaders, it’s important to remember that we aren’t just leading a class or completing projects, we are shepherding people. From time to time, the people who attend your LH Group will experience a crisis in their life. A “crisis” may be defined as a death in the family, marriage problems, diagnosis of illness, or any other situation which extends beyond the scope of normal LH Group care. Regardless of the situation, your group member will look to you for support during this difficult time. For some leaders, this may be the first time anyone has looked to you for help in a crisis. It’s our goal to provide a few helpful tips to navigate this situation and ensure your group member is helped and encouraged along the way. As strange as it may sound, a crisis represents an opportunity. Many times, the point at which a person is most open to God’s Word and the prompting of the Holy Spirit is in the midst of crisis. Ultimately, if you shepherd someone well through a crisis, not only will you have earned their love and respect, but you will have helped them grow in their walk with Jesus.

1. Pray for wisdom. The truth is that many of us, even pastors, can feel at a loss when confronting crisis. In difficult times, words seem cheap and we’re not always sure what actions to take. Thankfully, James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This means that in the midst of crisis we can pray for Jesus’ guidance and direction as to how we can best serve and love our group members. The fact is that as God uses you to grow your group members in difficult times, He is growing you as well! For this reason, as the entire Discipleship team works to address your group member’s crisis, we can rejoice in the words of Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2. Remember you are not alone. After prayer, the essential first step upon learning about a crisis in the life of one of your group members is to notify your Coach and the Small Group Director. Not only will they be able to share their insight and experience with you, but they will also be able to mobilize church-wide initiatives such as funeral services, benevolence requests and the like. In addition, they will also be able to offer perspective as to when you may be approaching your limit, as noted in point three.

3. Know your limits. Lighthouse Church has a robust series of mentors, pastors, coaches and professional counselors who are ready to be activated based on the needs of your group members. Once you inform your Coach and the Small Group Director of your need, they may connect you to the Director of Pastoral Care if the situation requires more attention. Even after notifying the leaders, do not hesitate to ask for help if you find yourself outside your area of expertise or comfort. Many times, our pastors will recommend those they meet with to see a professional counselor. You should do the same! Issues which should prompt you to contact your Coach and Associate Pastor immediately include, but are not limited to: addiction, suicide threats, abuse, psychotic issues, serious financial concerns, marital unfaithfulness, and the like. We have trained experts that are ready to handle these issues when they present themselves. You need not go it alone!

4. Mobilize your group. When appropriate, it can be extremely effective to activate your group members to love and serve the affected individuals. This can mean providing a meal train, visiting them in the hospital, attending the funeral of a loved one, collecting an offering, babysitting or similar displays of Christian love. However, keep in mind that everyone handles crisis differently. What may be encouraging for one group member in crisis could be completely overwhelming to another. The best way to ensure you are helping is to simply say “The group would love to help out in some way. Would it be alright if we…” If they decline help at this time, don’t push it.

5. Listening is key. Most of us know that in the midst of crisis, we should listen to our hurting friends long before we lend advice. However, sometimes the temptation to go into “command mode” can be so overwhelming that we begin spouting off ideas, opinions and orders before we even realize it. Most times, especially in the midst of tragedy, a hurting person needs to be heard and to talk out loud simply to process their own thoughts. If they seem to be in shock, asking questions may be a good way to prompt a conversation, but remember, too many questions can be overwhelming as well. If the individual is open and your advice is applicable, feel free to share it. However, if you try to force them into action or dominate the conversation, you may be doing more harm than good.