Ready for Anything: How to Equip Your Ministry for Unexpected Disasters
In this important episode, host Renée Wilson talks with Laura Addis and Anthony Prince about powerful, real-world experiences and insights from leading churches through devastating natural disasters. Laura Addis recounts her church’s response to Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina (September 2024), while Anthony Prince shares lessons learned from the rapidly spreading wildfires in Los Angeles, California (January 2025). This conversation offers invaluable guidance for any church leader preparing for or currently navigating moments of widespread crisis.
Key Takeaways & Insights:
- Preparedness is Paramount: Both Laura and Anthony emphasized the critical importance of having systems and plans in place before a crisis hits. Anthony notes, “When you do what matters before it matters, then when it matters, you’re already doing it.” Having a plan helps the church appear level-headed in the midst of chaos.
- Relationships are the Foundation: Existing relationships proved invaluable. Laura highlighted their established connection with Manna (a local food bank) and Trader Joe’s, which allowed them to quickly become a distribution hub. Anthony mentioned the strength of their local pastor prayer group, which facilitated inter-church coordination during the fires. Building these connections now is crucial for effective future response.
- Data Management is Key: An updated church database was a surprisingly critical tool. Anthony’s team could quickly identify and reach out to members in affected zip codes, allowing them to focus their support effectively. Laura’s church used their contact information to conduct wellness checks and assess needs within their congregation.
- Churches as “Air Traffic Control”: Churches often become central hubs, not just for distributing resources, but for connecting people and organizations. Anthony described their role as “air traffic control,” directing aid and volunteers to where they were most needed, even if the disaster didn’t directly impact their immediate neighborhood. Laura’s church connected various local restaurants and organizations, creating a “free market” of goods beyond just food.
- The Challenge of Unsolicited Donations: Both leaders shared the difficulty of managing well-intentioned but unhelpful physical donations (like dirty clothes). Laura stressed, “Please don’t send your junk to places that are in disaster areas.” Unloading and sorting unusable items diverts precious time and volunteer energy.
- Beware of Misinformation & Pop-Up Organizations: Anthony warned about fraudulent “pop-up” non-profits that emerge during crises, often using strong SEO to solicit donations that don’t go to relief efforts. Laura discussed the frustration of countering false information circulating about government aid (like FEMA) not being available. Vetting organizations and providing accurate information is a key role for trusted church leaders.
- Prioritizing Self-Care and Family: Leaders must remember their own well-being and the needs of their families. Anthony shared his learning to lead with empathy first at home, not just a “non-anxious presence” that might dismiss feelings. Laura emphasized there are “no awards handed out for living the hardest hardship” and that sometimes taking the “escape pod” (like staying with family) is necessary and helpful.
Action Steps & Tips for Churches:
- Develop a Crisis Response Plan: Anthony strongly advises, “Put a day on the calendar next week… where you come up with a plan… if there’s a crisis within a mile of us, what are we going to do? If there’s a crisis within five miles, what are we going to do? If there’s a crisis within 20, what are we going to do? If there’s a national crisis, what are we going to do?” Draft something, even if it’s imperfect, and refine it with your team.
- Maintain an Updated Database: Ensure your contact information for congregants and key community partners is current and easily searchable (e.g., by zip code).
- Build Community Relationships NOW: Connect with local government (City Hall can provide a list of resource partners), other churches (join or start a local pastor’s prayer/networking group), and non-profit organizations before a crisis.
- Communicate Clearly and Ask for Needs: If you want to help a disaster-stricken area, call and ask what is needed most. Don’t just send unsolicited physical goods. Needs change rapidly (e.g., gasoline needed immediately after a storm, but not days later).
- Consider Financial Donations or Fundraisers: Instead of collecting physical items, consider holding a rummage sale or fundraiser and donating the proceeds to established, vetted organizations on the ground. As Anthony put it, “Do yard sale, send the dollars.” Dollars offer flexibility and allow local responders to purchase exactly what is needed.
- Vet Organizations: Be cautious of new, unproven organizations soliciting funds during a crisis. Look for established groups with a history of effective relief work.
- Be an Information Hub: Help share accurate information about available resources and counter misinformation circulating in the community.
- Prioritize Pastoral Care (Both for Others and Yourself): Remember the unique role of the church is to see the inherent dignity and sacred worth of all people. Offer not just physical aid, but also empathy, presence, and spiritual care. Simultaneously, ensure leaders and staff prioritize their own self-care and family needs. As Laura said, “recognizing that rest is a thing that you can be called to just as much as active participation.”
- Remember Your Unique Calling: In the midst of widespread aid efforts, ask: “What is it that only the church can do?” Often, it’s providing compassionate presence, upholding the dignity of individuals, and offering spiritual and emotional support alongside practical help.
Memorable Quotes:
- “When you do what matters before it matters, then when it matters, you’re already doing it.” – Anthony Prince
- “I will always have a full tank of gas and I’ll always fill up my bathtub.” – Laura Addis (Practical tip!)
- “I don’t know if that’s true. Here’s what I know.” – Anthony Prince (Language for addressing misinformation)
- “Please don’t send your junk to places that are in disaster areas.” – Laura Addis
- “Do yard sale, send the dollars.” – Anthony Prince
- “There’s no awards handed out for living the hardest hardship that you have to for no reason.” – Laura Addis
- “Crisis amplifies connectedness and if you aren’t connected deeply to others in crisis, you’re going to feel that even more.” – Anthony Prince
- “What is it that only the church can do?” – Laura Addis
- “Recognizing that rest is a thing that you can be called to just as much as active participation as well.” – Laura Addis