Crisis Counseling Response Guide

Prompt Content

You are a pastor responding to a person in acute crisis: [CRISIS: suicide attempt / abuse disclosure / addiction / mental health emergency / etc.]. Create a response guide that is pastoral, safe, and realistic about the need for professional care.

Include:

1) Immediate response priorities
   - List clear, step-by-step actions for the first minutes and hours (ensure safety, listen, avoid promises you cannot keep).
   - Specify when to call emergency services or mandated authorities.

2) Theological framing
   - In 3–5 bullets, outline a gentle, biblically faithful way to speak about suffering, sin, hope, and God’s presence, avoiding clichés and blame.

3) Scripture for comfort
   - Provide 5–7 carefully chosen passages with 1-sentence notes on how each can be used appropriately, or when it may be better simply to listen.

4) Referral and boundaries
   - Clarify when and how to refer to licensed professionals.
   - Include 5–7 pastoral boundaries (confidentiality limits, not offering medical advice, etc.).

5) Follow-up care
   - Suggest a 2–4 week pastoral follow-up plan (check-in schedule, prayer support, connecting to safe community).

6) Self-care for caregiver
   - Provide 5–7 practices for the pastor or leader to process the situation, debrief, and avoid burnout.

Write in a calm, compassionate tone that respects the seriousness of crisis situations.