A crisis never announces itself. It just comes. The ravages of the tornado outbreaks in the spring of 2011 evidenced the devastating and unanticipated consequences of cataclysmic events. One thing is certain: nothing will test leadership like a crisis. Crises intensify the usual challenges of leadership to seemingly intolerable levels. Yet, in such times, God's leaders are not without promises and principles from Scripture to trust and to proclaim.
Catastrophic Crisis: Ministry Leadership in the Midst of the Tragic and Trying
In September 2001, ministers throughout the country faced an event they could never have anticipated. After 9/11, Americans attended churches in large numbers on Sunday mornings seeking answers. Sermons from passages such as Luke 13:1-5 spoke to the moment. In this passage, Jesus commented on the horrendous slaying of Galileans by Pilate, as well as the tragedy of the tower falling in Siloam. Jesus noted that these tragedies did not occur because of some specific sins of the victims. Yet, His main thrust was to use the shock that people felt to reflect on what was most important: having a right relationship with God in an uncertain world.
The Sunday after 9/11, I spoke on this passage and titled the message, "An Interview with Jesus." For the upcoming anniversary of 9/11, pastors may once again preach this text or passages in the Old Testament in which Israel and Judah faced national crises. In addition, it could be helpful to employ numerous biblical texts that give assurance of God's care regardless of circumstances (e.g. Romans 8: 31-38).
In view of current uncertain times, the anniversary of 9/11 is also an opportunity for churches to focus on our nation's need to turn to God. Pastors should remind church members that we are to pray "for kings and all those who are in authority" (1 Timothy 2:1). A special emphasis on prayer might include individuals offering prayers with different themes and corresponding Scriptures. On the evening of the 9/11 tragedy, members of Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol and sang God Bless America. A congregation could sing this song before or after a prayer for God to bless America according to the admonition of 2 Chronicles 7:14.
When a pastor brings God's Word in a time of crisis, he employs the spiritual leadership the situation desperately needs. Spiritual leadership is motivating God's people to fulfill God's purposes. Not surprisingly, in researching ministry leadership in times of catastrophic crisis for our book, Catastrophic Crisis: Ministry Leadership in the Midst of the Tragic and Trying, Allen England and I saw firsthand that the quality of spiritual leadership was a critical factor in how the church responded. All other important leadership qualities flow out of spiritual leadership.
Never is there a greater opportunity for God's people to fulfill their purpose than in a time of crisis. However, leaders do not have time to suddenly become spiritual when crises come. Rather, they minister out of the spiritual depth they already have. Likewise, churches that possess spiritual vitality before crises occur are prepared to make the greatest impact for the kingdom. Carrying out the Great Commission of making fully devoted disciples is the best preparation churches can make for future national crises.