Worship Musician Church Video + Streaming Handbook | Page 44

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