b'Reid is the retired CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, in Greenville, South Carolina, and serves as a trainer/facilitator for Citygate Networks Ripple Effect, a program that assists with boardrelated issues for members. You can reach Reid at rlehman@miraclehill.org.Have specific, solid support forcommitment to Christ. Some donors everything you say.were lost, but God replaced them Remember positions/actionswith donors who strongly support taken, statements made earlier.our gospel-centered approach. Miracle Hill is moreKeep answers concise, relevant,When the federal court case and interesting.reaches a final ruling, there will be a deliberate andUse word pictures.Round 2. The ministry is as prepared explicit in talkingStay calm and confident, and showas possible and committed to trust compassion. If someone has beenGod for the outcome.about its commitmentharmed, you can show compassionFinally, though you would not have without admitting fault. chosen negative publicity, consider: Is to Christ. SomeAvoid confrontation and maintainGod opening the door for you to share donors were lost, butcontrol: anger is great media, but itthe gospel or take a stand for Jesus never helps your cause.Christ? If youve made a foolish deci-God replaced themsion, you shouldnt drag Christ into it. What happenedBut if the event is outside of your con-with donors whowith Miracle Hill? trol or you are unfairly attacked, model strongly support ourI your answer after 1 Peter 3:14b15: retired as planned in December 2019, and my godly successor isHave no fear of them, nor be troubled, gospelcenteredleading effectively. Well before re- but in your hearts honor Christ the tirement, things settled down quicklyLord as holy, always being prepared to approach.in our market, and most local storiesmake a defense to anyone who asks about Miracle Hill today are favor- you for a reason for the hope that is in able. Miracle Hill is more deliberateyou; yet do it with gentleness and and explicit in talking about itsrespect (ESV). \x03More infoHeres a great web link with more information on managing a media crisis:www.citygatenetwork.org/media_crisis.38 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022'