When a crisis hits a small church, the pastor is usually the last person who should be writing the communication. They are too close to it, too emotionally involved, and too busy managing the situation.
This guide gives you a framework for communicating through any crisis before it happens, so you are not making it up under pressure.
Crises covered:
- Pastoral departure (voluntary and involuntary)
- Pastoral moral failure
- Staff termination
- Natural disaster or facility damage
- Community tragedy
- Congregational conflict that becomes public
- Financial crisis or fraud
What’s included:
- Crisis communication framework (first 24 hours, first week, ongoing)
- Sample statements for each crisis type
- Who to notify and in what order
- What to say and what not to say
- How to communicate with the congregation, the community, and the media
