Local Clerics Move Forward with Message of Hope after 9/11

Watching the horrific images on TV of two planes crashing into the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, sparked many strong emotions for Americans: sadness, rage, anger, insecurity and fear, just to name a few.

When those emotions are conjured up, most often, the religious and the nonreligious alike turn to their faith to find comfort and strength.

Whatever religion you may be, the wise words from your local cleric remind you that God is good and has a plan for us all.

But have you ever wondered who gives your pastor, priest, preacher, rabbi, imam or any other spiritual leader the strength to deliver such a powerful message to you and even find a way to be hopeful.

Well, we at Patch did, so we asked a few local clergy members how they were able to deal with the tragic losses of 9/11 and lead their congregation closer to God.

Pastor Phil Krist, Lakeside Assembly of God, Shelby Township

Patch: What was your reaction to 9/11?

Krist: I remember well the shock and fear that pervaded our congregation and community on the morning of 9/11.  The long lines at gas stations as cars filled up in preparation for possible attack.  The eerie silence of the skies as all aviation was grounded, only to be broken by the roar of fighter jets.  I remember the deep sorrow over the many tragic deaths and the total uncertainty of what might happen next.  Yet as a Christian, I knew God was in control, and that He was still on His throne and everything was going to be all right.

Patch: How did you explain it to your congregation?

Krist: We took two approaches with the congregation and community in dealing with the events of 9/11.  In the natural, we presented the facts as we knew them at the time, of how America was hated by others–terrorists–for what our country stood for and it gave us renewed appreciation for those who serve in our military and as first responders.  At our following Sunday service, we invited those representative of the military and first responders to be in our service and we honored them.  Spiritually, we reminded our congregation that ultimately our trust was not in our nation's gold or guns, but in our God, who cannot and will not fail us.

Patch: Has it had an impact on your faith or ministry?

Krist: No, 9/11, has not had an impact on my faith or ministry.

Patch: Has it caused you to change the way you present scripture or speak to your congregation?

Krist: No, 9/11 has not caused us to change the way we present scripture or speak to our congregation.

Senior Pastor Mike Lutz, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Macomb Township

Patch: What was your reaction to 9/11?

Lutz: I was in shock when I first heard. Our office staff got into a circle and prayed. I also felt that we, as a congregation, needed to do something to help people within our community deal with this tragedy. Therefore, we had a service that day.

Patch: How did you explain it to your congregation?

Lutz: We spoke about the reality of sin within our world and how the devil would want us to become afraid and not trust the Lord.

Patch: Has it had an impact on your faith or ministry?

Lutz: Yes, we are very concerned about the fears that people have whether they are expressed or not. This was an emphasis prior to 9/11 but was reinforced after. We also wanted to thank the first responders publicly and have done so over the years. We continue to emphasize the need for a relationship in Christ and the need to always be ready if the Lord calls us to our eternal home.

Patch: Has it caused you to change the way you present scripture or speak to your congregation? 

Lutz: No, I have always felt that the scriptures speak to every problem that we face and there is a need for us as individuals to read, study and learn it and apply it to our everyday lives.