Anchor Point: How to Lead with Faith, Find Strength, and Rebuild with Hope After Crisis
When disaster strikes, ministry leaders are called to do the impossible — comfort the hurting, organize the chaos, and keep the faith when everything feels lost. Anchor Point is your trusted guide for navigating the storm with wisdom, resilience, and hope.
What This Book Will Help You Do
Whether you are responding to a crisis right now or preparing for whatever may come, Anchor Point will equip you to lead with wisdom, care, and an unwavering trust in the Lord who holds steady when everything else is shaken. Specifically, you will find guidance on:
- How to embody the Ministry of Presence in the immediate aftermath of tragedy
- A clear map of the disaster journey — from rescue to relief to recovery
- Tools to care for others while navigating your own emotional and spiritual exhaustion
- Strategies to build long-term resilience in your people and yourself
- Hope-filled insight into how God uses even disaster to draw us closer — to Him and to each other
What Readers Are Saying
“In times of crisis, people look for leaders who can help them through the storm. Local pastors play a unique role in their community when disasters strike. Dr. John Crowder has lived through and led the folks of West, TX, in recovery and renewal after a terrible tragedy. Anchor Point will be the go-to resource for people of faith to be prepared in the face of disaster.” — Terry Johnston, Director, Waco Regional Baptist Association
“In 24 years of ministry, there is only one book besides the Bible I’ve told other ministers they need to have. Now, there are two. John Crowder’s Anchor Point is a master course for facing major disasters that provides principles transferrable to the more common tragedies that are part of every ministry. Every minister needs to be ready.” — Eric Black, Executive Director, Publisher & Editor, Baptist Standard Publishing Co.
“Anchor Point is the best resource you will find to show you the terrain you will face as you navigate your community through the challenges of disaster recovery.” — Dr. Jason Burden, President of Texans On Mission, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lubbock
“He provides invaluable practical counsel and uncommon Christian wisdom to ministers who may and must walk with church members and communities through the valley of the shadow of death. Pastor John Crowder certainly has not let this crisis go to waste, and he can help you and those you serve not to do so either.” — Todd D. Still, PhD, Dean and Professor of Christian Scriptures, Baylor University, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
About the Author
John W. Crowder has served as pastor of First Baptist Church in West, Texas since 1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. On April 17, 2013, the West Fertilizer Plant explosion devastated his community — destroying his own home and changing his life and ministry forever. In the years that followed, John helped lead West through recovery and has since become a trusted voice and resource for ministry leaders navigating disaster. He has led seminars equipping pastors for disaster response and has consulted with communities recovering from crisis.
Invite John to Speak or Consult
John is available to speak at churches, ministry conferences, and community events on the subjects of disaster recovery, crisis leadership, and leading with faith through adversity. He also consults directly with pastors and ministry leaders who are navigating crisis in their communities.
If you would like to invite John to speak or inquire about consulting, please use email him at jwcrowder@fbcwest.com or reach out directly through the About page.
John W. Crowder 