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- Day 3: Crisis Communications
Day 3: Crisis Communications
(Workshop descriptions subject to change)
Level: All Levels
When a crisis hits — whether a storm, scandal or sudden loss — communicators are often among the first called to respond. This day will equip you with strategies to prepare, respond and support your community with calm, clarity and compassion.
*All times ET
Session 1 (12:00 - 12:50 p.m.): Basics & Best Practices (No Matter the Crisis)
Every crisis is different, but the best practices and foundational skills remain the same. This session covers core principles of effective crisis communication, including how to prepare in advance, what to say under pressure, and how to coordinate with leadership, staff, stakeholders and the public when the unexpected strikes. Attendees will leave with the foundational building blocks of responding no matter the crisis.
Session 2 (1:00 - 1:30 p.m.): Weathering the Storm - Natural Disasters
When disaster strikes, the church often becomes a beacon of stability and care. In this session, learn about communications considerations specific to natural disasters, when seasoned responders share real-world experiences from hurricanes, floods and fires — and offer guidance on how communicators can support relief efforts, share accurate information, and hold space for grief and hope.
BREAK: 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Session 3 (2:30 - 3:20 p.m.): Leadership Issues
Some of the hardest crises to navigate are the ones closest to home. This session explores how to manage communication around issues involving leadership, including transitions, Title IV cases, illness, loss or other sensitive events. Learn best practices for transparency, timing and preserving trust in challenging times.
Session 4 (3:30-4:20 p.m.): Before the Crisis: Preparations Outside the Box
When creating a crisis response plan, it pays to spend some time thinking outside the box about what else might be helpful when the time comes. Things like local relationships, building local response networks, planning for redundant systems, or knowing the friends you’ll reach to for help. Leaders from the Diocese of Western North Carolina will share all the ways they’ve done just that in responding to Hurricane Helene, both in the storm’s immediate aftermath and in the months since.