Written by Brent Harriman, pastor of Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee

At any given time, most families in your congregation are either amid a crisis or close to one. For most believers, family serves as the central nervous system for life. So when a death, serious illness, rebellious teen, or tragic accident hits home, the need for care is acute. The psalmist tells us that God is near to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18). God calls pastors to draw near, too, and doing so is a unique privilege—even if we feel ill-equipped in the moment.

How do pastors meaningfully care for families in crisis?

A simple willingness to show up and lean in is a great place to start. Be there, and provide a ministry of presence and prayer. When you move toward your people with a willingness to listen and empathize and without trying to immediately fix the problem, you’re modeling Christlike humility and care. Crisis moments are also excellent opportunities to bring along other church leaders or members close to the family and model for them how to provide the ministries of presence and prayer too.

Second, we must point families to God’s promises. We must comfort families in crisis with the truth that God hasn’t promised protection from storms but instead has promised his presence with us in them. After all, he is our shelter and stronghold.

Finally, we must avoid the temptation to be the family’s savior. Instead, we can point them to the actual Savior, who tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16.33, NIV).

—Brent