Crisis Management 2020

By Rev. Dean Davenport, Senior Pastor

Wikipedia defines crisis management as the process by which an organization (in our case a church) deals with a disruptive and unexpected event that threatens to harm the organization or its stakeholders (members).

Let’s see…has there been anything in the last, say in the last 4 months, that individually and collectively we have dealt with that was unexpected and disruptive?? Um….can you say Covid19? The above Wikipedia definition pretty much describes my life lately, as I’m sure it does yours. Disruptive, unexpected and maybe even threatening at times.

As a result of the pandemic there is a lot of crisis management happening wherever you are. Hospitals. Governmental agencies. Businesses. Congregations. Families. Over the last several months all of us have made countless decisions, countless adjustments, countless changes. Where will we go? Where will we not go? What will we do? What will we not do? Cover? Gather? Isolate? Test?

As I make decisions, I’m reminded that those things that are important to me are helping me in the decision-making process. What are those principals that shape and mold who I am and what I say and do? Decisions need to be made not just for the sake of ‘making a decision’ but for the good of my family, for the good of people that I serve and the furthering of the kingdom of Jesus.

These are challenging times, to say the least!  In any situation, Covid19 times included, there are always new opportunities for me and all of us to shine the love of Jesus. Please do! He hasn’t failed you, forsaken you or forgotten what’s going on in your life. He is faithful! Remember His faithfulness when your tempted forget His promises.

Here are some foundational principals that I’m not going to compromise on when living in these times or when making decisions in this crisis management mode. They are helpful for me to look at time and time again. I pray that they are to you as well.

• I will trust in God’s love and power above that of the government or money.
• I will be directed by truth not emotions.
• I will work to sort out facts from fiction.
• I will not follow the crowd or jump on a bandwagon– even if I like the music.
• I will love my neighbor.
• I will be prayerful.
• I will be joyful.

Please know that these “I will’s” are empowered by the Holy Spirit living in me. Together, let’s not compromise on who we are in Jesus. Others are watching what we do as we navigate this crisis. I pray that they’ll see Jesus in me and they'll see Jesus in you!

God loves you and so do I!
Pastor Davenport