In Case Of Emergency.
Every school has one. Every hotel has one.
I’ve even seen and been to a few coffee shops that have one.
And since they are required by law…
…your church probably has one too.
Because I’ve preceded this blog with a picture of one…
…I’m sure you know by now I am speaking of an
Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Emergencies can come in a large variety of ways.
The Conventional…
Fires. Earthquakes. Tornados. Hurricanes. Floods.
The Non-Conventional…
Bomb Threats. Armed Robbery. Random (School) Shootings.
It is unfortunate that as of late the non-conventional seems to be more prevalent in the news.
Although I in no way claim to be an expert in this area…
…it does appear (based on my light research) that most
Emergency Evacuation Plans consist of four key areas…
(1) The Alert or Alarm Method
(2) The Exit or Escape Route
(3) The Gathering (Or Assessment) Point
(4) The Re-Entry Procedure
No matter how minuscule or extreme the situation may be…
…these four seem to be observed at all times.
Some more thorough than others. However…
…there is one kind of emergency that many churches have not been able to implement these four key areas as successfully.
Although many have experienced it (or know someone who has)…
…very few have taken the time to layout a strategy to aid others
who one day will encounter it as well.
The name of this emergency…
(I really wish I could add some suspenseful background music here)…
…is The Troubled Church Leader.
For those who have been around one (or became one once)…
…you know the incredible affect it can have on a church.
Its leadership. And (possibly) its membership.
Having the ability to identify, reconcile, or even evacuate a troubled church leader through life’s emergencies…
…has never been more important.
2007 has truly proven that.
It has been quite a year for the church.
Believe it or not, observing the four key areas listed above could help the church navigate through even the toughest of times.
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(1) The Alert or Alarm Method
Is there a person or department on your church staff who has been identified as the point of contact when a problem has emerged?
What button can be pushed for leaders to express their concerns…
…even when it involves their peers or possibly their pastor…
When the pastor cannot be as accessible as he or she may want to be…
…can an alert be expressed without it becoming an alarm to others?
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(2) The Exit or Escape Route
Is there a step by step procedure a leader can be provided in order to bring his or her problem or challenge to a proper resolve?
Is the culture in your church one that embraces a safe exit, or one that causes leaders to feel like they need to hide and run for escape?
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(3) The Gathering (Or Assessment) Point
If a problem has arisen with a leader that must be resolved or disciplined, is there a gathering point or place for those leaders to go and be re-assessed?
Will this point be a place of safety where godly counsel and clarity can still be obtained, or rather a place to discard in hope that shame alone will bring correction?
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(4) The Re-Entry Procedure
When the emergency has been identified and controlled, what is the re-entry procedure for a leader to observe in order to re-engage with his peers and previous vocation?
In any emergency, it is often known that the elevators are off limits.
It is widely understood that all quick access points are turned off.
Are the steps still available? No matter the height…
…if they are willing to take them, are they denied?
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There are indeed a large variety of emergencies.
Some we are more prepared for than others.
However, it is my prayer that more churches will take the time next year to create a standard emergency plan for their leaders.
Not only how to evacuate. But also how to (properly) re-enter.
Doing so may help finally bring an end to bouncing leaders…
…and those who use discontentment to lead them to split or start churches of their own.
Somebody sound the alarm…
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hmmm… makes a lot of since when applied to an Emergency Evacuation Plan. I can see how leaders can find themselves stuck – overlooked with no clear way out during times of frustration, disagreement, or misunderstanding. That would make an E.E.P. pretty useful for church/ministry leaders.
Hey Forty!!
“In case of Emergency” is so on point. I think this post is very timely. It is important that we have a system in place to restore leaders.
GOD isn’t finished with us when we go through our troubles no matter how public they are.
Great Post. Keep doing what you do!
Forty! Before I comment I have to say I’m always in awe and admiration of the nuggets you have! I love it!
As I was reading, the word drill, popped in my head.
For most Emergency Evacuation Plans, there is a required drill that has to occur every so often to ensure that those who may be involved understand and know what to do…
(e.g., fire, tornado, what to do in a shooting or robbery)
We all remember how in school you were supposed to line up and make sure everyone was accounted for and the proper position/places you should be in…
…you need to know what to do “in case of emergency”.
The church has all kinds of conferences, events, retreats, etc, to assist in building and maturing leaders…
And I can see where the need of an E.E.P is vital.
Drill anyone?
This is so apropos to what is going on with the church today!
I love your wording and how you applied the E.E.P. terms with the “Church System”.
I just hope the people in the church will take heed, and love with the agape love that God has given us!