‘Anchored in Christ’: Finding hope during trials

LCMS (Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) Disaster Response and Training has developed a Bible study and accompanying resources to offer hope, comfort and peace in Christ during times of crisis, particularly shared crisis.

The resources, under the title Anchored in Christ, are designed to be used by a congregation to serve the congregation’s members and surrounding community when there has been a catastrophic event such as a natural disaster, an act of violence, the death of a beloved pastor or teacher, or the suicide of someone who has impacted the community. Anchored in Christ can be used for a single Bible study or congregational event, or it can be used over an entire year to bring extended comfort and hope to a congregation and community during a time of trial.

Anchored in Christ includes four modules with accompanying videos:

Anchored at the Cross;

Why Us? Comfort and Peace for God’s Children;

What’s Next? Hope in the Days to Come; and

New Beginnings — Joy in the Lord.

Kits may be ordered at no cost. Two types of kits are available:

A sample kit for review, which includes an introduction letter, media kit instructions, an event checklist, a Camp Courage brochure and a Bible study leader guide; and

A crisis care kit for use by congregations. It includes everything in the sample kit plus some additional materials, including a banner, yard signs, postcards, participant guides and more.

Times of crisis and pain strike everyone in this fallen world, including God’s faithful. Christians know this truth from Scripture (John 16:33) as well as from their own experience. But knowing trials will come doesn’t mean they aren’t a shock when they happen.

The Rev. Robert Wurst Jr., volunteer manager for Lutheran Early Response Teams, says Anchored in Christ was developed for such times.

“When a disaster or other crisis occurs,” Wurst said, “pastors and congregations can quickly find themselves overwhelmed by events, and the opportunity to engage with members and the community can slip by.

“The Anchored in Christ curriculum provides a series of Bible classes and suggestions for coming together as a community by gathering around a meal and taking time to talk. The classes can be offered as a simple one-time event, or they can be expanded over the course of a year. This flexibility gives the pastor and congregation ready opportunities to hear the Word of God, establish relationships and extend the mercy of Christ’s altar into their community.”

Learn more about Anchored in Christ or order a kit at lcms.org/anchored-in-christ.

Learn more about LCMS Disaster Response at lcms.org/disaster.

Posted on March 8, 2024