🎥 Video 10B Transcript: What Not to Do: Panic, Shame, False Secrecy, or Solo Crisis Management

Hi, I am Haley, a Christian Leaders Institute presenter.

In crisis care, what a Church Community Chaplain does not do can protect a life.

Do not panic. Panic can make a person feel more alone, ashamed, or frightened. Stay calm. Speak slowly. Keep your voice steady. You do not have to solve everything in one moment. You do need to help move the person toward safety and proper support.

Do not shame. A person struggling with addiction, mental health strain, suicidal thoughts, or emotional collapse may already feel deep shame. Do not say, “How could you think that?” or “You should have more faith,” or “Real Christians do not feel this way.” These statements may close the door when the person needs help most.

Do not offer false secrecy. A chaplain must not say, “This will stay only between us,” when there may be self-harm, suicidal intent, abuse, overdose risk, violence, exploitation, or serious danger. Privacy matters, but safety comes first. A better phrase is, “I will protect your dignity, but I cannot keep this secret if someone may be in danger.”

Do not manage a crisis alone. A Church Community Chaplain is not a solo crisis system. The chaplain serves with delegated trust, not independent authority. That means the chaplain must know when to involve pastors, elders, designated church safety leaders, emergency responders, medical professionals, crisis services, counselors, or other proper support.

Do not diagnose. Do not say, “You are bipolar,” “You are just depressed,” “You are an addict,” or “This is only spiritual warfare.” A person may need prayer, Scripture, medical care, counseling, recovery support, emergency care, or several of these together.

Do not use Scripture as a quick fix. Scripture is true and powerful, but it should be offered with consent, timing, and gentleness. A rushed Bible verse can feel like dismissal. Ask, “Would a Scripture of comfort be helpful right now?”

Do not leave a person alone if there is immediate danger. If someone may harm themselves or someone else, follow your church’s emergency pathway and contact appropriate help.

A wise chaplain can say, “I care about you. I am glad you told me. We are going to involve the right help now.”

That is not overreacting. That is faithful, life-protecting care.