The Lord’s churches were made for such moments of crisis; this is when they shine.
The members of your congregation will respond to specific requests—”Who will travel to Jonquil, Minnesota, to help Buttercup Church, which was nearly destroyed by last week’s flood?”—more than almost anything. And your people will minister to the Jonquilians, but when they drive away, they too will be bursting with joy from the experience.
Those who stayed at home but who gave and prayed and supported the team will also be enthusiastic.
Here are ten ways to support a congregation hit by a disaster:
1) Pray for them in your worship service. Show pictures on the screen.
2) Send up one or two leaders to scope out the land. See if this is a place where your church can serve effectively. If everything is “go,” they will initiate the planning while on the field.
3) If the pastor(s) needs financial assistance, send him money now, not later.
4) If Buttercup Church and its pastor are unknown to you, check them out with denominational leaders if possible. Go into this with your eyes wide open.
5) Do not be a burden on members of that church. They cannot take care of you.
6) If this project will not work for your people (they don’t have the proper personnel, the skills needed, etc), politely decline the invitation and send a check.
7) Unless your church has done this before, at first send a small team of mature workers. They will see whether a larger group can come next time, and also whether your church can build an ongoing ministry with the Buttercup people.
8) The pastor should go. Nothing will speak to the Jonquilians—or to his own congregation—like seeing their pastor roll up his sleeves and get dirty helping people.
9) In Jonquil, let the citizens know you represent Buttercup Church.
10) Take a positive attitude with you. Most of all, you also represent the Lord Jesus Christ.
