Anchor Point: How To Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope After Crisis

by John Crowder

When disaster hits, ministry leaders are thrust into the center of it all. We're called to be counselors, coordinators, communicators, and visionaries, all while carrying our own grief and uncertainty. The pressure is immense. The path forward isn't clear. And often, we're left How do I lead when I'm hurting too?Anchor Point is a lifeline for pastors and ministry leaders facing the unthinkable. Drawing from firsthand experience during the West Fertilizer Plant explosion and more than a decade of disaster response work, John Crowder offers a deeply practical and spiritually grounded guide to leading well in times of upheaval.Inside, you'll •How to embody a ministry of presence in the immediate aftermath of tragedy•A clear map of the disaster journey-from rescue to relief to recovery•Tools to care for others while navigating your own emotional and spiritual exhaustion•Strategies to build long-term resilience in your people and yourself•Hope-filled insight into how God uses even disaster to draw us closer-to Him and to each otherWhether you're responding to a crisis now or preparing for whatever may come, Anchor Point will help you lead with wisdom, care, and an unwavering trust in the Lord who holds steady when everything else is shaken.

148 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Robert Hillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad that a book like this exists. Far too often we have to learn from doing as we are thrust into situations of which we have no training or preparation. Crowder’s book gives us an opportunity to learn vicariously through the experiences of the people in West, Texas in 2013, and have a foundation from a wealth of knowledge when presented with disastrous situations. While centering around major disasters such as an explosion, I’m already thinking about how to apply the principles expressed through the book in smaller situations as well and how to help others walk through life’s various crises and tragedies. While written for pastors, I can confidently say that there is wisdom in here from which everyone can benefit.

[Eddie Middlebrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential book for folks in church leadership as you want to be prepared when crisis hits your community. Easy to read, digest and use as a resource for years to come!