Spiritual Leadership in Times of Crisis
Written by Usman Raza
A crisis never announces itself. It just comes. The ravaging tornado that outbreaks in the spring of 2011 show us the devastating and unanticipated consequences of catastrophic natural events. One thing is certain: nothing will test leadership sort of a crisis. Crises intensify the same old challenges of leadership to seemingly intolerable levels. Yet, in such times, God's leaders aren't without promises and principles from Scripture to trust and to proclaim.
In September 2001, ministers throughout the country faced an incident they might never have anticipated. And after the 9/11 accident, Americans started to attend churches in large numbers on Sunday mornings seeking answers to their questions. Sermons from passages like (Luke 13:1-5) spoke to the instant. during this passage, Jesus commented on the horrendous slaying of Galileans by Pilate, also because of the tragedy of the tower falling in Siloam. Jesus noted that these tragedies didn't occur due to some specific sins of the victims.
The Sunday after 9/11, I spoke on this passage and titled the message, "An Interview with Jesus." For the upcoming anniversary of 9/11, pastors may once more preach this text or passages within the Old Testament in which Israel and Judah faced national crises. additionally, it might be helpful to use numerous biblical texts that give assurance of God's care no matter circumstances (e.g. Romans 8: 31-38).
In view of current uncertain times, the anniversary of 9/11 is additionally a chance for churches to focus on our nation's need to turn to God. Pastors should remind church members that we are to wish "for kings and all those who are in authority" (1 Timothy 2:1). Special requests on prayer might include individuals offering prayers with different thoughts and problems with corresponding Scriptures. On the evening of the 9/11 accident, members of the National Congress gathered at the Capitol and sing God Bless America. A congregation is allowed to sing this song before or after the prayer to God to bless America, as per the scripture in the (2 Chronicles 7:14).
When a pastor speaks the word of God during a time of crisis, he delivers the spiritual leadership things to whom he desperately needs. Spiritual leadership is about motivating the people of God to fulfill God's purpose. Not surprisingly, in researching ministry leadership in times of catastrophic crisis for the book, Catastrophic Crisis: Ministry Leadership within the Midst of the Tragic and Trying, based on Christian Leadership in Crisis. All other important qualities are of leadership and to flow out of spiritual leadership.
Never is there a greater opportunity for God's people to satisfy their purpose than during a time of crisis. However, leaders don't have time to suddenly become spiritual when crises come. Rather, they come out of the spiritual depth they have. Likewise, churches that possess spiritual vitality before crises occur are prepared to form the best impact for the kingdom.
Article author
About the Author
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
True Peace Is a Psychic Quality, Not Ensuring the Circumstances of the External Life Are Without Challenges
The psychic being has the characteristic of peace and serene happiness. That does not prevent the individual from experiencing difficulties and obstacles in his external life. Those who try to express the true psychic character often are made the object of opposition for upsetting the status quo.
September 23, 2026
Article
The True Source of Peace and Serene Happiness
One cannot achieve peace or lasting happiness by running away from difficulties in the world, or through any form of distraction or intoxication that dulls the responses. Peace comes through shifting the standpoint to that of the psychic being.
September 22, 2026
Article
The Psychic Being, the Vital Being and the Sunlit Path
when the psychic being begins to influence the external nature, it interacts with the vital being which is under the influence of rajas, with its desires, ambitions and greed. when the experiences recede, it can then fall into tamas, subject to despair, darkness and depression.
September 22, 2026
Article
Psychic Poise — the Standpoint of Balance in the Response to Life Situations
when we base our viewpoint in the external being and the ego personality, we are always reactive and imbalanced. When we shift to the soul standpoint, we gain balance and poise in our responses to life situations
September 20, 2026