A disaster is an event resulting in great harm, suffering, destruction and damage which is beyond the control of the individuals affected. It disrupts personal and community life, involves a significant number of people and causes physical, emotional, economic, social and/or spiritual crises. A disaster—in a matter of seconds, minutes, hours, days, months or even years—damages a community's ability to sustain life without outside assistance.

A disaster can result from a wide range of events, such as a flood, fire, drought, violent act or accident. When a disaster occurs, the church needs to be present as a symbol of God's presence.