In ministry, crisis calls can come at any time.  Are you prepared?  Let me offer some simple suggestions when you face a crisis situation:

1.  Take a deep breath, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with words of wisdom.

2.  Listen.  Really listen.

3.  Make every situation, good and bad, a time of prayer with the person.

4.  Link up with resources in your area before the call comes.  Be ready with contact information of Christian counselors, other pastors who have helped with particular issues, books from Christian authors on special subjects, and hot-lines in your state for abuse and crisis.  Have resources prepared in advance for the person in need.

Be ready.