I’ve often said it’s not if a crisis will happen; it’s when a crisis will happen. The vast majority of pastors and ministry leaders just don’t think disaster could ever strike and are blindsided when it happens. In this section, we’ll look at how you can avoid a crisis by creating a healthy and positive culture in your church or ministry organization.

Lesson 1 – Perception Matters
In today’s polarized social media society, it’s not just who you are, it’s how you and your church are perceived that matters. In this lesson, we’ll look at the two types of crises and practical ways to avoid one.

Lesson 2 – Taking Responsibility
When it comes to a crisis of any kind, the leader’s accountability starts on day one—even if it wasn’t your fault. In this lesson, we’ll explore what happens when honor goes too far and how to build accountability in your ministry.

Lesson 3 – Creating a Transparent Culture
Almost every church or organization has undiscussed issues that everyone knows about but is afraid to bring up. In this lesson, we’ll look at how to eliminate the “elephants in the room” and examine the six risky behaviors of fallen leaders.

When faced with a crisis, church leaders often choose to “wait and see.” However, there can be enormous legal issues involved in not acting right away. Speed matters, and this section will help you be prepared—should a crisis happen. The earlier you intervene, the easier it will be to manage.

Lesson 4 – Tactical Preparation
Long before a crisis happens, there are tactical actions you can take now to be ready to respond thoughtfully, appropriately and positively. This lesson will help you develop a crisis communications plan with your leadership team.

Lesson 5 – Welcome to the Crisis
Taking the right steps from the beginning will make a big difference—especially when a senior leader experiences a moral failure. In this lesson, we’ll explore what not to do in a crisis and how to respond appropriately to each unique situation.

Lesson 6 – When Sex Offenders Come to Church
Sex offenders represent a significant and ongoing issue for communities nationwide. This lesson will help you develop guidelines for what to do when sex offenders come to your church.

A crisis does not have to break your church. In this section, you’ll be equipped to meet the challenge of various crisis situations and emboldened to stand by your convictions when things get difficult.

Lesson 7 – Mistakes and Unwanted Admirers
Leadership isn’t just about prestige, honor or authority. In this lesson, we’ll look at the power of admitting your mistakes as a leader, and very practical ways to deal with unwanted admirers to preserve your reputation and integrity.

Lesson 8 – Reporters, Interviews and Cancel Culture
Although there’s no rule you have to talk to a reporter, sometimes it can help a crisis situation. In this lesson, we’ll explore navigating an interview and how to survive cancel culture with your convictions intact.

Lesson 9 – The Domino Effect
Are you willing to speak up when you see wrongdoing? In this lesson, we’ll discuss what we can learn from recent highly publicized stories of fallen leaders and explore the reasons why a leader’s inner circle doesn’t hold them accountable.

When a crisis happens, that’s the moment a true leader can make a positive impact. If you’ve gone through a crisis or are going through one right now—there is hope. In this section, we’ll look at how you can emerge from a crisis and position yourself for the future.

Lesson 10 – Coming Out of a Crisis
Dealing with scandals and problems in the church world is an even greater challenge in the digital age when information is so readily available. In this lesson, you’ll find out PR strategies before, during and after a crisis, plus gain wisdom in your email communication.

Lesson 11 – Toward the Future
Want to gain some positive media coverage? In this lesson, we’ll look at ways you can become a trusted voice in your community. Also, if you’ve experienced a moral failure, we’ll explore what true biblical repentance and restoration look like.

Lesson 12 – Can You Avoid a Full-Blown Crisis?
While there’s no foolproof or guaranteed way to save any church, ministry or organization from a crisis, the time to prepare for a crisis is now. In this lesson, we’ll review the principles presented in this masterclass with final thoughts on how to strengthen your church to weather the storm.

Downloadable resources with every lesson feature actionable tips to help you failsafe your church, ministry or organization from a crisis.

Based on Phil Cooke’s book Church on Trial –How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission and Reputation During a Crisis, this intensive workbook will reinforce your organization’s ability to avoid a crisis—and if one does happen, navigate through it appropriately and positively.