Offer more than “Thoughts and Prayers” in times of Tragedy

Let’s face it, people are tired of the phrase: “thoughts and prayers”. You could even say, many in our country are expressing “thoughts-and-prayers-fatigue”.

After the school shooting in Parkland, FL (Feb, 2018), students began screaming, “Enough with the thoughts and prayers”. After the shooting in a bar in Thousand Oaks, CA (Nov, 2018), a mother of one of the victims passionately pleas, “My son was in Las Vegas and he came home. He didn’t come home last night. I don’t want prayers, I don’t want thoughts…and I hope to God nobody sends me any more prayers.”

Why are people exhausted – and even aggravated – by this phrase? Is it because they’re all a bunch of “non-believers” that reject positive thoughts and the power of prayer? I don’t think so. It may be that offering “thoughts and prayers” is – quite literally – the least anyone can do.

Instead of words, people in crisis yearn for

intentional, organized and meaningful support.

It’s because we believe in the power of prayer that we offer prayer. But, add to that, clergy and lay ministers can also be present in the midst of pain and provide stabilizing, spiritual support to those in need. 

Ministry is a verb. Ministry is action. During times of crisis, crisis response is the most effective and appropriate response.

Crisis ministry is an organized, compassionate and spiritual response provided by vetted and trained clergy and lay-ministers.

Click here to learn more about crisis ministry training

The concept of crisis is often misunderstood. Many people think that crisis must be a “newsworthy” event. Crisis is an overwhelmed state of disruption caused by a powerful, personal and unexpected event.

As people of faith, believing in the power of prayer, we offer prayer. But, when individuals, families, congregants or a community are in crisis, we can also show up and provide stabilizing support.

To provide needed ministry in times of crisis – start a crisis response ministry team. We have tools, templates and training to help you select, vet and prepare team members to provide organized and effective care.

For congregations with a limited training budget, consider partnering with others in the area to off-set the cost of training (examples include: other churches, local police and fire departments, Sheriff’s office, hospital or medical center, schools, etc. Basically, any place and profession that respond to crisis regularly).

Demonstrate God’s love and compassion by being present with people on their worst day.

As we often say: 

Be present with people on their worst day…and they’ll never forget it.

Fail to be present with people on their worst day…and they’ll never forget it.

Learn more at https://crisissupportsolutions.com/shared-ministry-training/ or email us at info@crisissupportsolutions.com.