How should a leader respond to crisis? Timothy Coombs and Sherry J. Holladay define a crisis as the “perception of an event that threatens important expectancies of stakeholders and can impact the organization’s performance.” On the other hand, according to John Maxwell, leadership “is about influence, nothing more and nothing less.” Leaders can be successful in crisis by making sense of the crisis, seeking God in prayer and fasting, and aligning God’s people to His plans to fulfill His mission.
Making Sense of Crisis
In 2 Chronicles 20:2-3 the Bible records, “Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar.” When King Jehoshaphat heard the news, he made sense of the crisis by admitting his limitations and seeking God, the divine source of power. Good leaders do not downplay any issue or crisis. Instead, they acknowledge it and deal with it immediately. A Christian way of making sense of a crisis involves seeking God’s guidance on how to handle it.
Seeking God’s Guidance
King Jehoshaphat demonstrated his full dependence and confidence in God by seeking Him first to face the crisis. 2 Chronicles 20:3 says, “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” As Ellen White affirms, “The path of men who are placed as leaders is not an easy one. But they are to see in every difficulty a call to prayer” (Prophets and Kings). Christian leaders find hope and courage to face even the most challenging circumstances by consulting God and trusting in His promises.
Aligning People to God’s Plan
The main role of spiritual leaders is to seek God and align His people with His agenda. (Blackaby and Blackaby). 2 Chronicles 20:5 notes, “Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court.” 2 Chronicles 20:13 goes on to say, “And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.” King Jehoshaphat influenced all of Israel to join him in fasting and praying to God for deliverance from the invasion of their enemies. The two verses demonstrate how Israel’s children mirrored their King’s attitude towards the crisis. It is one thing to know God’s plan, but it is another to influence others to fulfill His plans.
Good leaders acknowledge a crisis by making sense of the situation, seeking God’s guidance, and influencing others to implement God’s plan.
This is Part 1 of a series. Read Part 2 next week!
Author
Rodney Banas
Banas believes Jesus Christ is the true model of excellence, and true education is the restoration of the image of God in humanity. He has a bachelor's degree in AB theology and a Master's Degree in Public Health. Currently, a P.h.D Education Administration candidate in Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS). He has a growing interest in spiritual leadership, educational administration, change management, and crisis communication in higher educational institutions.