The mass shooting at the South Carolina church has sparked comments from around the nation. It is just the latest in the long line of senseless acts that have occurred in our nation. News broadcasts provide details while commentaries offer their version of an answer to the question, “Why?” Whether you are ministering in an area that was directly affected or serving elsewhere in the country, you are sure to face questions and comments. You need to be prepared for the impact to your ministry.
Those Who Question
It is human nature to want to understand why a tragedy like this happened. What could someone have done to prevent it? Why did the person turn to violence? You will probably even face the question, “Why did God allow this tragedy?” Those who see you in ministry will believe that you should have an answer, as if God tells you more because you are working for Him.
Anyone with these questions doesn’t want to hear rehearsed, pat answers. They want to know what you feel, what you believe. It is okay to say you don’t know. In fact, it is far better to be honest with an answer that doesn’t really say anything than to come up with a reply that you have read or heard or even feel you should believe. They want you to be real with them.
Those Who are Angry
As people try to find the answers for tragedy, they will become angry. They will be angry at the person responsible, at lawmakers they feel failed them, even the family and friends of the accused. They may even be angry at you because you serve a God Who would allow this. Understand that their anger is not aimed at you personally, but at the unfairness of what has occurred.
It often seems that no matter what you say, you only make people more upset. Words of comfort fall on deaf ears, and your sympathy is shunned. Sometimes it is better to say nothing until the anger is spent. At this point, they are not listening, but reacting.
And the Greatest is Love
Whether you are working with people directly affected by tragedy or those who feel the impact of a distant event, you must expect to be impacted in your ministry. People will look to you for answers or your opinion. They may want you to defend who you are and why you serve in ministry. Just remember that in everything you do, do it in love. Respond to hurting people with love, answer those who question and listen to those who are angry with love.
Love won’t solve the world’s problems or stop all of the tragedies, but it can help those who are hurting to find peace. It can make them feel heard and show them that you care. When everything around them is chaos, they need a calm reassurance, a safe haven that they can turn to. Whether it is a news-making event or a personal tragedy that no one hears about but them, they need to know they can count on you and your ministry to be the calm in the storm.
What situations have you faced in your ministry as the result of a tragedy? How have you dealt with the questions and emotions?
