As an elders quorum president in Utah County, the same county where the assassination of Charlie Kirk took place, I was faced with questioning what my role was to my quorum on Sunday (just four days after the tragedy).
I am sure Latter-day Saints across the United States were reeling from the shock as they arrived at church on Sunday.
Apart from this specific tragedy, wards across the globe have experienced a similar shock when a traumatic event has taken place in their country or community.
Do we show up and conduct church as usual?
Maybe offering a state of normalcy is the best option.
It’s definitely the easiest option; however, is it the best?
Talking through the points of a recent general conference talk during a quorum meeting didn’t seem fitting for the Sunday directly after a shocking event, literally a few miles away from our chapel.
Therefore, I felt inspired to address this hurt directly.
I wanted to create a space where the quorum members could sit in the pain and talk about it — process it.
Why do we go to church if we can’t find peace, healing, connections, and redemption?
How could I do this effectively?
Two thoughts came to mind.
(1) Address it while inviting people to articulate their personal emotions around the tragedy.
(2) Focus on the hope of Jesus Christ by focusing on stories of the Redeemer addressing tragedy.
What transpired in the quorum meeting was beautiful.
Men opened up.
Personal stories of shock were shared.
Tears were shed.
Fear was recognized.
I then shared the story of the daughter of Jairus being raised from the dead when all hoped seemed lost. (Mark 5)
As we focused on this biblical miracle, it invited redemption into our own hearts.
It gave us strength as we focused on the life of Christ, knowing we were surrounded by a sincere community and had just renewed our covenant relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Finally, we ended in a literal circle of trust, where we asked for specific ways we could pray for one another.
I don’t pretend that it was perfect or that it was all that these quorum brothers needed; however, it was an attempt to orient wounded hearts to the Great Healer.
We don’t just go to church to learn; we also need it to heal.
Does your ward offer healing through Christ?
Jump in on the discussion related to this article over at Zion Lab.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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