LEADERSHIP
VOLUNTEER CARE IN CRISIS | Melissa Doppler
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown most each other. They are familiar acquaintances but different from others. Some immediately go to
of the world into chaos, and many of us into not much more. Even team leaders may only prayer, others are thoughtfully concerned for
a state of anxiety. As the Body of Christ, our know the basics – kids’ names, what they do the welfare of others, or they are practical and
world view should be different from that touted for work etc. logical. This is a great time to draw on those
by the media or expressed by the fearful on
gifts. Ask the person with a gift of intercession
social platforms. We have a Kingdom view. Now is a time to go further and deeper in our to start a team prayer chain. The practical
We serve One who is greater than any virus. care for each other. It’s time to pick up the person can organize ways for the team to pool
He knows us by name, each hair on our head, phone and call someone just to touch base – grocery runs or share that precious toilet paper
and has promised to take care of our needs. He starting with those we serve alongside. Find with someone who has none. This is when the
also placed us in a family – a Body which hurts out how they are doing, how their families are Body of Christ really functions as it should.
when any one part of the Body is hurting. responding to the upheaval, and ask if there is anything they need. Pray for one another. One friend shared how their neighborhood was
As we begin to consider our response as the Encourage each other. Stir faith and remind coming together to share essential supplies
Church to the COVID-19 crisis, many leaders each other of God’s Word. using the NextDoor app. It reminded me of how
are looking for ways to serve their community
the early church was formed. They shared their
and partner with their city leaders to bring aid You would be amazed at how many people and support. This is important and Biblical. But it find most of their community and fulfilment in is also important and Biblical to care first for our serving God and the church. When that is taken This is a good time to learn what support your
own church family, and from there the response from them, even for a few weeks, their world church has available for crisis counselling or
flows out to the community around us. can become disconnected and uncertain. financial aid, so you can direct people to those
worldly goods and took care of each other.
During a crisis like this, they can be especially resources if they need more care than you
Galatians 6:9-10 New International Version (NIV) vulnerable to depression, isolation and anxiety. can provide. There are also many community
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at This can also be true of our senior volunteers, resources available through the city, county
the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do introverts, those who live alone, or do not have and non-profit organizations. I work for The
not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, an extended family network nearby. Salvation Army and they are a great resource
let us do good to all people, especially to those
who belong to the family of believers.
for people who find themselves in an economic
If you are a team leader, mobilize your team to
crisis and needing emergency basic needs.
stay in community and connection – especially
In every church, there are faithful servants for those affected by shelter in place orders. Once this crisis has passed, the “care muscles”
who meet the needs of the church. They greet Don’t rely on group text blasts. They have their formed in crisis can keep functioning and your
people, serve communion, teach our kids about place, but they are impersonal. There are so team will be stronger, more mature, and healthier.
Jesus, lead us in worship, tend the church many technology platforms available for group grounds, lead recovery groups and so much messaging, video chats and more. But honestly My prayer is that we will remember that God
more. They are the heartbeat of the church. nothing beats a phone call, a personal video can take the plans of the enemy and use them
Perhaps you are one of those faithful people, or chat, or an in-person (socially distanced) visit – for good (Exodus 50:20). Stay grounded in Him
maybe you lead a team of these faithful people. if that’s permissible in your area. and His promises. He is faithful and His mercies
Here’s what I’ve learned over many years Don’t shoulder the responsibility for connection of serving in church, and as a volunteer alone. Regardless of the role your team plays professional — people can serve together in your church’s weekly function – all of your often, sometimes for years, and not really know team members have spiritual gifts which are
are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
48
April 2020
Melissa Doppler
Graduate of Hillsong College, worshiper, avid reader,
leadership junkie, and writer with a passion to help
others discover their God-given purpose. Check out
her blog at MelissaDoppler.com
Subscribe for Free...