Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation

In our current landscape—where both everyday disruptions and larger communal crises can arise without warning—churches are called not only to respond, but to respond faithfully. Whether it’s a pastoral emergency, a controversial incident, or a call to speak out in the face of injustice, the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately is vital.

Join the Church Leader Crisis Communication Webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30pm, hosted through the Thriving Leadership Formation initiative. This essential training is free but requires pre-registration at bit.ly/EventsTLF.

This 90-minute webinar will equip you with:

  • A deeper understanding of the essential dos and don’ts of crisis communication

  • A structure for forming a crisis communication team, tailored to your church

  • A comprehensive communications strategy template specific to your ministry context

  • Sample statements to use or adapt when a crisis arises in your congregation

Led by Catherine Slabaugh, Director of Communications & Community Engagement at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Justin Wilson, Engagement & Resource Manager for the ELCA Youth Gathering, the webinar is part of the Leadership Formation series within the Thriving Leadership Formation program—a resource for rostered ministers and lay leaders committed to ongoing growth and resilience.

This webinar will not be recorded, so plan to attend live and come prepared to reflect on your church’s unique context. Faithful communication in times of crisis isn’t just about public relations—it’s about public discipleship.

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Prepare now.

👉 Register here: bit.ly/EventsTLF

Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment