When People Are Not Okay Response Kit

Church staff and lay leaders are trusted with real stories and real pain. This Response Kit gives you simple, grounded tools you can use immediately to listen well, respond without fixing, and connect people with appropriate care while honoring your limits.

What you’ll receive (Word + PDF):

• Start Here (quick guide)
• CARE Response Card (printable 1-page)
• What to Say / What to Avoid Phrase Bank
• Listening Questions That Invite Honesty
• Pastoral vs Clinical vs Crisis Decision Guide
• Warm Handoff Scripts (pastoral, clinical, crisis)
• Follow-Up Checklist (48 hours, 1 week, 30 days)
• Referral List Template (fillable)
• Simple Documentation Note Template (appropriate and minimal)

Who this is for:

• Administrative staff who hear stories between tasks and emails
• Ministry leaders, volunteers, and group facilitators
• Anyone who regularly listens to hard things at church

How to use it:
Print the pages you need, keep the quick card accessible, and customize the referral list for your church.

If you need immediate help, contact local emergency services. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline resource.