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Preparation Planning
Completion requirements
As John Lyon shared in our lesson video, when preparing your church for potential crises, there is much to consider. While your willingness to respond and prepare is foundational, the layers that need to be addressed go deeper and wider than you might initially think. As you work on your plans, consider these elements:
- Determining Willingness to Respond and Prepare
Your church's disposition toward preparedness sets the stage for everything that follows. This involves not just a mental readiness but also the tangible allocation of resources—time, human power, and finances—to prioritize preparedness. - Event Assessment in Your Community
Evaluate the risks unique to your community or location. Whether it's natural disasters or crime rates, understanding your context will guide your planning. With this information, you can build a crisis plan tailored to the specific challenges you're likely to face. - Leadership and Planning
Who does what, and when? Establishing a clear leadership structure in times of crisis is crucial. This goes beyond your pastoral team to include various ministries and volunteers who can offer unique skills during a crisis. - Pre-positioning Supplies and Resources
Take stock of what you'll need to get through the initial phases of a crisis, whether it's medical supplies for emergencies or necessities like food and water. Make a list and start gathering these resources. Ensure you have these items accessible and that key personnel know their locations. - Community Liaison
Know who the first responders in your community are and establish channels of communication with them. These could be police, fire services, EMS, or even volunteer organizations skilled in crisis management. - Training
Conduct regular training sessions for your crisis team and volunteers. Make sure everyone is on the same page and understands the role they play in a crisis. Real-world drills can provide invaluable experience and insights into your readiness.
A well-prepared church is a resilient church.
Additional Considerations
Communication Plans
An effective crisis response demands seamless communication. This means a well-defined structure of how information flows within your church, with your community partners, and to the public.
Community Awareness
Your congregation is not just a group to be protected but also a valuable resource. Keep them informed about emergency procedures and involve them in preparedness activities.
Legal and Ethical Aspects
Your goodwill needs to be aligned with legal expectations. Ignorance is not an excuse; consult your church's legal advisor to ensure you're on solid ground.
Psychological Preparedness
A crisis takes a toll emotionally. Equip yourself and your leaders to provide emotional and psychological support. Consider partnering with certified counselors.
Rehearsals and Simulations
Test your plans in real-world conditions by conducting simulations. It's the only way to gauge your preparedness level and make necessary adjustments.