For example, in the country where I live, a young American male was killed in a bicycle accident.  Before, his family in the United States could be contacted his body had been cremated which is the common practice and tradition in this country.  The family in the United States was shocked not only because of the sudden death but also that they did not have an opportunity to view their family member.  Viewing in a casket with a funeral service in the church sanctuary was an important cultural tradition for this family, something that was not possible in this case.  Furthermore at the funeral, the driver of the vehicle came with a large cash gift in an envelope for the family.  The family had not been prepared that this may happen; in this culture that is common.  Thankfully because of God’s grace the family could respond in forgiveness.

This case simply highlights that it is important for international church staff and ministers to have a general knowledge of what happens when a person dies and the funeral customs and traditions in the country where they find themselves.  As many of the members of an international church or congregation are expat’s they may not have the general knowledge of the culture if and when a death occurs.

Here are some general suggestions:

Have a list of several funeral directors (morticians) and companies that are comfortable with the death of a Christian.  In some countries where Christians are a minority that may not be easy.  And if possible, find out if there is one or two in particular that have dealt with the death of expat.

Have a general idea of funeral arrangements in the culture where you are located.  As I am a missionary as well and work with a local church and pastor, I have a general idea of a typical Christian funeral in this culture and have attended several.

If you have further ideas or experiences, please comment for other readers.

Consequently, international congregations have multicultural staff to meet these particular ministry needs.  This creates unusually as said above — demands but also pressure. 

One demand that many international churches must have are contingency plans not only for the ministry but also for staff in case of natural and man-made incidents!

Plans for Natural Disasters:

International churches should have written contingency plans for natural disasters that not only affect the building whether rented or owned, but also a plan as a place for sanctuary.  Some important questions to review not only include access to the building — who has keys and why — but also what is the method of decision making in time of natural disaster.  For example, in Kobe, Japan in 1995 there was a large earthquake.  One international congregation was not only caught off guard by the earthquake itself — as we all expect — but by the fact that the pastor was at a conference away from the city.  Since the congregation did not have any contingency plans not only were there personal concerns but also distress about the building, attendees, worship and a host of other factors.  It is impossible to have plans to cover all aspects of a disaster, but even a simple blueprint gives churches a leg up during difficult times.

Plans for Man-made Incidents:

 International churches should not only have contingency plans for natural disasters but also for human created events.  Staffs for international congregations, churches and home ministries, have peculiar needs in an international setting particularly during a time of man-made incidents.  Not only do personnel need contingency plans for natural disasters but also in case of human created events.  For example, civil conflicts catching international congregations and churches unprepared — unfortunately — have not only caused undue stress and pain but have even left staff in more danger.  International congregations and churches are often at the forefront of events because congregations and churches are at the street level tuned to the people and cultures around them.  But, that same view also blinds staff and churches to the build up to events.  “Because we live in the culture of our host, we are well prepared for problems.”  That is a sin that cannot only threaten the ministry but leave people’s lives in undue danger.  Take some time and develop a contingency plan for man-made incidents that may threaten staff and the ministry.  For example, develop a phone tree or some type of means of communication so all the staff can be notified in case of problems.  Some churches even have a safe house or location known only to the staff with a small amount of cash available.  And remember to include a method of contacting family, friends and others overseas.

Again, there is not a contingency plan for all situations whether natural or man-made but, taking time to work on simple steps will provide a basis during difficult times.