10.23.20 | Advocacy and Action
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14
Out of this faith and love churches need to be prepared to serve their communities as safe havens and beacons of hope during times of crisis. In addition to prayer, leaders need to assess risks and be prepared to respond as necessary. Such prior planning can also serve the congregation in the event of future natural disasters, and other unexpected community crises.
Does your church have a Disaster Preparedness Manual?
One of the most crucial resources in times of crisis is information. If they haven’t already, local church leaders should sign up to get alerts from newspapers, radio stations or TV stations they trust. In addition, most phones are already connected to WEAs, or Wireless Emergency Alerts, which announce storms, Amber Alerts, and other emergency information. Learn more about WEA.
Resources:
- Civil Unrest Preparation Checklist – A comprehensive checklist for local churches.
- Public Witness Resources – This BWC curated page contains de-escalation strategies, voting and election resources and ensuring the rights and safety of individuals participating in sacred witness.
- Dealing with Disruptive Individuals – Gain the skills necessary to be peacemakers to help de-escalate situations
- Demonstration Response Checklist
- Prepare for Violence in Your Church – Congregations today need to be prepared for unexpected, and even dangerous, risks. Important insights and information from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance.
- Faith-based Community Preparedness Guide from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a helpful supplement to the BWC's local church disaster preparedness manual.
- Mission Central Hubs – The BWC offers two disaster relief hubs, which collect and offer supplies in times of need. The hubs are at St. Matthews UMC in Bowie and in Bentley Springs UMC.
Questions? See our Legal and Safety FAQs
