Disasters can strike anytime, leaving communities vulnerable and in urgent need of support. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod is committed to walking alongside those affected — not just in the immediate aftermath, but for the long road of recovery. Our Disaster Response Ministry focuses on several key areas to ensure congregations, communities, and members can respond, recover, and rebuild effectively:
- Funding Long-Term Recovery & Assisting Survivors
We provide financial support to disaster survivors who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to meet their basic needs for safe housing. This ensures families can rebuild their lives and regain stability — helping our congregations live out their call to care for neighbors in crisis.
- Disaster Response Education & Ministry Development
Through training, asset mapping, and building disaster response ministries, we equip congregations with the knowledge and tools they need to respond efficiently and compassionately when disaster strikes. Educated, prepared congregations become pillars of support in their communities.
- Individual and Regional Preparedness
We help members and congregations prepare for potential disasters through planning and resources. Prepared individuals and communities can act quickly, reduce risk, and provide meaningful support in critical moments.
- Connecting Congregations to Their Communities
We help congregations identify opportunities to serve neighbors, creating strong relationships and networks that ensure help is available when disaster hits. Congregations plugged into their communities are ready to act and respond with impact.
- Partnering with Local Organizations for Immediate Response
By partnering with local organizations, we provide opportunities for members to serve in immediate disaster response. These partnerships amplify our reach, ensure volunteers are effective, and strengthen the collective response to urgent community needs.
Through these focus areas, the Indiana-Kentucky Synod ensures that congregations, members, and communities are ready, able, and empowered to serve — providing hope, help, and lasting recovery when disaster strikes.
Grounded in Community, Led by Trusted Neighbors Like You
Our disaster response ministry is made possible through the faithful leadership of our congregations, members, lay leaders, and pastors, whose presence before, during, and long after a disaster makes lasting recovery possible. Pastors and lay leaders bring deep local knowledge and trusted relationships, serving as vital connectors who help ensure efforts are coordinated, compassionate, and responsive to real community needs. Our members frequently step into key volunteer roles on long-term recovery committees—often for years—generously offering their gifts and time to help their communities rebuild. Pastors have also led ministries such as emotional and spiritual care camps for children, creating safe spaces to process lived experiences and build resilience for the future. Together, this shared leadership embodies the church’s commitment to accompaniment and transforms generosity into tangible, life-restoring outcomes for communities recovering from disaster.
Ongoing Projects:
Schedule an on-site or Zoom Workshop: E-mail jbeneker@iksynod.org
- Introduction to Disaster Response
- Crisis to Community
- Disasterville
- Asset Mapping
- Disaster Response Ministry Brainstorming
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Disciples of Joy Warehouse (Click here to access their warehouse needs)
- Join a work team through our VOAD Partners
- Masters of Disaster
- Disciples of Joy
- Organize a Mission Trip
- Work with the UCC church to plan a disaster service based trip
- Put together a Hygiene Kit or Cleanup Bucket. Click each project to download a flyer with more info.
Request Assistance/Report a Local Disaster: E-Mail jbeneker@iksynod.org
Endowment for Disaster Response
A downloadable bulletin that allows your congregation to give can be found here.
Partnerships
The IN-KY Synod Disaster Response Team maintains strong partnerships with disaster response organizations in our local communities, across our states, nationwide, and throughout the ELCA. Click on each partner below to visit their respective websites.
E-Mail Magen Pillar to join our disaster response email list: mpillar@iksynod.org
