Leading Congregations through Crisis

On July 12, 2009, 23 youth and adult sponsors from First Baptist Church in Shreveport, La., were involved in a tragic bus accident, leaving two dead and others seriously injured. Rev. Gregory Hunt suddenly found himself leading a congregation in crisis. From that grueling experience, Hunt has crafted a book pastors need to read even as they hope they'll never use it. Putting Christ and mission at the book’s center, Hunt examines what happens when crisis strikes and how pastors and congregations can prepare for future crises. Ten different types of crises—ranging from violence to natural disasters to internal congregational strife—provide insight into how pastors can lead congregations through harrowing times into a healthy future.