How to Help Our Communities in the Midst of Tragedies

As much as we would all like to avoid it, the reality is that tragedies happen quite regularly in our communities. They don't have to be huge tragedies like the horrible shootings in Buffalo, NY or Uvalde, TX. They can be deadly car accidents, suicides or something else entirely. Tragedies come big and small but they always affect the community in some way. 

So what can your Church do to minister to the community in the midst of tragedies? Here are some ideas:

Share counseling options. This can be in person options and online options. Here are some online options you can share. These are all Christian based so there will be a faith based element to that which will be helpful. 

Offer resources. Depending on what kinds of tragedy your community is experiencing, there are different resources that can be used to help. Here are some resources for those working in Family Ministry. Here is another resource for the whole Church. The more you can equip others during this time the more helpful you can be for the community. 

Offer a Place to Congregate. When tragedies happen, people like to congregate together. As a Church, you could open up your building to be a place for people to meet up. You could have grief share counselors and other support there for people to process and share. You could also do a digital meet up as well. You could set up a Zoom or Google Meet up where you can do the same thing. This provides people an opportunity to connect and share together in a digital forum. 

Mobilize Leaders. Churches can be a great place for people can congregate, host a vigil and encourage others. But there are times when people don't want to come to a Church when they are feeling hurt and pain. That is why it is important to train and mobilize leaders to know what to do when tragedy hits the community. These can be people helping in the community in person or they can be digital missionaries. 

As devastating as tragedies can be, can be good that comes from it. God can use your Church online and in person in a big way. Here are 4 things your Church can do the next time a tragedy happens. May God guide you as you support others and help them experience Christ's love and care. 

What do you think? What are some other ways your Church can help your community in the midst of tragedies?  Share your ideas below or on social media.

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