When molehills become mountains and issues become crises, you wake up one day and ask, “How did we get here?” Often, it’s not the issue itself that results in crisis—but how it’s handled.
Take, for example, divisions in men’s, women’s, or youth ministries; indiscretions in financial management; or, worse yet, moral failures among leadership. The first step is not “how do we frame this?” but “how do we fix this?”
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind—and the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. Then He added, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40).
Crisis management, too, hangs on two commandments:
- Tell the truth.
- Do what you say.
When leaders consistently follow these two commandments, they will prevent issues from ever becoming full-blown crises. But when a crisis does emerge, here’s a biblically grounded, practically proven approach to address it—internally and externally.
Step 1: Stop the Bleeding
A crisis is like a bleeding wound—if not treated quickly, it worsens and spreads. The first priority is to stabilize the situation.
Internally: Investigate the root cause and take immediate action to halt the damage. If it’s financial mismanagement, identify how it occurred, remove access, seek restitution, and establish oversight. If it’s relational division or moral failure, address it directly with biblical accountability.
Externally: Acknowledge that an issue has occurred. Don’t hide, deflect, or delay. Offer a short, factual statement that affirms your commitment to truth, healing, and transparency.
Example: A staff member used church funds for personal expenses.
-
Audit the transactions.
-
Remove access and involve legal counsel if needed.
-
Communicate transparently with the congregation.
-
Reinforce financial policies and implement checks and balances.
-
Issue a public statement (if necessary) that acknowledges the situation and outlines corrective actions.
Step 2: Contain the Narrative
Silence breeds speculation. In a digital age, news spreads fast—even faster when the church says nothing.
Internally: Appoint a spokesperson. Ensure consistent messaging across staff and leadership so rumors don’t replace reality.
Externally: Don’t let media or social commentary define the story. Issue a holding statement to the public, such as:
“We’re aware of the situation, taking it seriously, and will share updates as we are able. Our commitment is to truth, restoration, and accountability.”
A mandate: Avoid spin. Communicate first, early, often, and honestly.
Step 3: Care for the People
Crises involve people. And people need care.
Internally: Offer pastoral support and space for questions. Don’t just manage the crisis—minister through it. Set up listening sessions, prayer gatherings, or confidential counseling.
Externally: If the crisis has impacted the wider community (e.g., former members, donors, local partners), reach out. Let them know they matter. Express empathy, not just facts.
Media insight: Grace goes further than defensiveness. A public statement of regret and responsibility, even when legal language is careful, can show a watching world what love and leadership look like.
Step 4: Establish a Crisis Team
No one should manage a crisis alone. Create a core response team with diverse expertise.
Roles might include:
-
Lead pastor or elder board representative
-
Legal counsel
-
Communications/media adviser
-
HR or finance lead
-
Pastoral care representative
This team manages both the behind-the-scenes response and the outward-facing communication. It should meet regularly and operate under the two commandments: tell the truth and do what you say.
Step 5: Communicate with Transparency and Grace
People may forgive mistakes, but they rarely forgive deception.
Internally: Keep members and staff informed. If they hear about it first on social media, trust erodes.
Externally: Be forthright. You don’t have to say everything—but everything you say must be true.
Suggested phrasing: “We made a mistake. We are correcting it. We remain committed to stewarding this church with integrity and humility.”
Step 6: Restore Trust and Reaffirm Mission
Trust is hard-won and easily lost. This step takes time, consistency, and courage.
Internally: Invite accountability. Follow through on your promises. Publish new policies or reforms where appropriate.
Externally: Share how you’ve responded and what’s changed. You may even consider engaging a third-party auditor or reviewer to demonstrate objectivity.
Media opportunity: Months later, offer a story of recovery and reform. Let reporters and the public see your church not just surviving—but becoming stronger.
Step 7: Review, Reform, and Rebuild
Once the crisis has passed, don’t move on too quickly.
Internally: Debrief with leadership. Identify blind spots. Update your risk and communication protocols. Provide ongoing training.
Externally: Be visible in the community. Resume outreach. Share lessons learned. Lead by example.
A crisis is painful—but it can also be purifying. When handled with truth and integrity, it becomes a testimony.
Final Thought
Crisis management doesn’t start with image control—it starts with truth. And it doesn’t end with a press release—it ends with restoration. When your church tells the truth and does what it says, it reflects the very heart of the gospel: grace, integrity, and redemption.
Let’s Talk
Want to learn more or discuss a pending issue or crisis? We invite you to schedule a confidential, no-cost counseling hour with us. Whether you’re navigating tension behind the scenes or facing public scrutiny, we’re here to listen, guide, and help you move forward in truth and grace. Because when we serve you, we’re ultimately serving Christ and His Church. And there is no higher calling. 👉Click here to call us today at 724-733-1200.
- Two Crucial Commandments that Prevent Issues from Toppling into Crises - November 14, 2025
