BGCT Local Church Disaster Response

Church2Church Partnerships

Hurricane Ike has devastated many churches in the Gulf Coastal region. There are churches that have great need and there are churches that are ready to meet those needs. This electronic tool is designed to capture the information so that the ministry of meeting church and community needs can begin. [ More ]

Disaster Assistance and Recovery Consultations for Church Buildings

The BGCT provides immediate support and guidance for church facilities damaged or destroyed by natural disaster. These immediate responses help church leaders navigate the decision making process of knowing what to do and how to find reputable resources that can help. Contact us for more information or go to Architecture page or Money Matters Church Finances page. E-mail architecture [at] bgct.org or call 214-828-5135 or 888-244-9400.

Baptist Church Loan Corporation Loans

All existing Baptist Church Loan Corporation Loans with churches that were impacted by Hurricane Ike will be evaluated on a church to church basis for possible assistance. Please contact Bob Gage at bob.gage [at] baptistchurchloan.org, or 214-828-5145.

Small Church (construction) Loans and Small Church Matching (construction)

Grants are available through the BGCT Church Architecture as funds are available. Please contact Jeanne Ballard at jeanne.ballard [at] bgct.org or 214-828-5135. See also Church Finances for details.

Texas Baptist Men

Texas Baptist Men serve in cooperation with SBC Disaster Relief and have an extensive network of trained personnel and resources strategically placed for immediate deployment. Texas Baptist Men provide immediate relief including, but not limited to the following: feeding units, laundry and shower units, mud out teams, childcare unit, chainsaw teams, and box ministry.

These ministries provided by Texas Baptist Men allow those affected to begin the recovery process. Volunteers are an important part of any disaster plan. Specialized training is available. If you would like to volunteer email Rae Jones at rae.jones [at] bgct.org or contact the Texas Baptist Men office at 214-381-2800 or 214-828-5350 for more information.

Victim Response

The BGCT helps provide certified pastoral care givers trained to assist victims and care-givers in times of trauma. Assistance provided includes group crisis intervention - defusing and debriefing of primary and secondary victims and training for local church leadership seeking to provide victim ministry.

Crisis Response Training / NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance)

NOVA courses prepare ministers and church leaders to help people to cope with their immediate emotional reactions when a crisis occurs. Training covers the techniques used in crisis intervention. It will give your team the fundamentals on crisis and trauma. Contact Bobby Smith for more information. E-mail bobby.smith [at] bgct.org or call 214-828-5381 or 888-244-9400.

Prayer

Victims, churches, caregivers, rescue and relief personnel need our constant prayers. Texas WMU coordinates and communicates requests for intercession. They enlist prayer networks to intercede for specific requests as well as effective ministry during a unique “window of openness” posed during disaster. Please submit all prayer requests to Texas WMU at the information below. Click here for current prayer requests and to join the network. E-mail erica.zamora [at] bgct.org or call 214-828-5100 or 888-969-6389