Gupton and Turner – 2 Models for Helping Others Navigate Times of Crisis

April 8, 2020

Dr. Carlus Gupton and Bob Turner discuss two models for church leaders to use to equip others to navigate these times of crisis. Key takeaways:

  • The first model asks, “What do I want to be during COVID-19?” Three zones: Fear, Learning, Growth.
  • Churches that move from fear to growth have a great opportunity to flourish going forward.
  • After we come back together, churches could take an inventory of what worked, what helped, and what they want to carry forward as part of the new normal.
  • The second model is The Change Cycle by Brock and Salerno.
  • The cycle includes 6 stages: Loss, Doubt, Discomfort, Discovery, Understanding, Integration.
  • We won’t get back to normal. There will be a new normal for us to adjust to.
  • Pastoral Process in Crisis Assistance:
    • Listen, be incarnationally present
    • Grace for grief, lament, complaining, irrational fears, less than best behavior
    • Help them understand the normal process. Be familiar enough with the models to be able to weave perspective without being technical or teachy.
    • Help them appreciate and lean into resources (internal and external) from a posture of abundance vs. scarcity
    • Provide genuine assurance and hope
    • Stay connected
  • Here is Dr. Gupton’s handout.

Dr. Carlus Gupton is a Professor of Ministry at HST and co-directs our Doctor of Ministry program. He began preaching at an early age, and has over 30 years of professional experience in ministry for congregations small and large. For the past twenty years, Carlus has maintained an active schedule of consulting, coaching, and intentional interim ministry, having worked with over 100 churches and organizations. He has been with HST since 2014 (adjunct 1997-2013).

Bob Turner preaches twice each month at the Church of Christ at White Station in Memphis. He has been with HST since 2009. He publishes a newsletter of curated resources for ministers called Footnotes. Subscribe here.

Harding School of Theology (HST), a seminary in Memphis, TN, has been equipping ministers since 1958. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and offering degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, HST equips Christian leaders to higher standards of ministry scholarship and challenges them to a deeper faith in God. Combining academic rigor and interpersonal connections, HST emphasizes student engagement in ministry as they study. HST is associated with Churches of Christ, is part of the Stone-Campbell Movement, and is part of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.

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