Disasters strike in unexpected moments. While we can’t avoid the hurricanes, tornadoes and other crises that come every year, we can be ready when these events occur. No matter where you live, here are five steps your church can take to prepare for disasters.
First: Evaluate likely disasters and identify resources
Not every church needs to be prepared to respond to every disaster in every place. Are you near the coast and at risk of hurricanes? Are there rivers nearby that put your area at risk of flooding? Are you in an area that experiences wildfires, earthquakes, or tornadoes often, even yearly?
A good place to start is by identifying the disasters that are most likely to hit your area or surrounding communities. Then, evaluate the resources that you have at your disposal that could be useful in a time of crisis. Consider how the assets that your church has available can align with the potential disasters that are likely to impact your community.
Second: Build and train a “Go Team”
When a crisis hits, people are often ready and willing to help. A nearby disaster will move many people in your church to compassion and action.
Having a team that is specifically trained in disaster response—otherwise known as a “Go Team”—is a significant asset in a time of crisis. This team can organize needs and match volunteers in a way that is safe and helpful. This “Go Team” can help bring order to the chaos that comes in the aftermath of a disaster.
Third: Plan your response
Once you have a “Go Team” trained to respond to crisis, make a plan for how your church will respond. This might not be very specific because you won’t know the scope of the need until the crisis actually occurs, but having a plan means you won’t be scrambling in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Instead, you will be able to jump right into action.
For example, this might mean having a list of the partners that you can reach out to and work alongside or knowing the roles of the various leaders on your “Go Team.”
Four: Be flexible and adaptable. Even the best and most thorough plans may need to change as you discover more about the actual needs, opportunities, or resources within a crisis. This is okay! Be flexible, willing to change, and eager to help in the ways that your church can.
Five: Share the gospel! When we serve those in need, we are working as the hands and feet of Jesus. Opportunities will always arise for you to tell people about a God who wants to meet so much more than their physical needs. He wants to save their souls!
Send Relief’s “How to Be a Disaster Ready Church” is a resource designed to help you be prepared to respond to whatever crisis may hit your community. Take the course to learn more about these five steps as you seek to prepare to meet needs and change lives with the gospel after a disaster.
Published May 16, 2025