Frequently asked questions regarding BeFrienders Ministry:

What is BeFrienders Ministry?
BeFrienders Ministry is a lay pastoral care program. Trained lay persons enter into caring relationships with those in need of pastoral care, providing emotional and spiritual support. Both men and women are invited to participate in this ministry. Men will be ministering to other men, women to other women.

What do BeFrienders do?
BeFrienders (volunteer lay ministers) provide pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional situations, such as illness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one. They embody the caring presence of God and of the community and serve as a living reminder of God’s love.

BeFrienders are trained to provide a listening presence to others, not to be experts in whatever situation they might encounter. The core concepts and skills learned enable a BeFriender to enter into any situation and provide compassionate, empathic care. BeFrienders can be called upon in crisis situations just as they would be in non-crisis situations. Whatever the circumstances of the person being befriended, a BeFriender can be a companion.

BeFrienders accept people as they are without telling them how they should be, listen with compassion without giving advice, and allow others to make their own decisions without trying to decide for them. By providing spiritual and emotional care, BeFrienders provide an opportunity for those they befriend to make choices and to grow.

BeFriender program leaders train and support BeFrienders in offering care, a nonjudgmental presence, and active listening.

BeFrienders also participate in regular small group meetings with the supervision of the BeFriender leadership team. The meetings provide accountability and growth, and assist BeFrienders in their ability to listen, to be nonjudgmental, and to put aside their own prejudices or desire to give advice. If BeFriender relationships are discussed, fictitious names are used and identifying details are eliminated in order to honor confidentiality.

Are BeFrienders expected to solve problems?
BeFrienders listen; they do not to solve problems or impose solutions. BeFrienders also discern with the people they visit whether referrals to professionals or agencies are appropriate.

What training is provided?
A BeFriender candidate receives about 20 hours of training and serves a short internship before
becoming a BeFriender. The training addresses issues such as grief and loss, spirituality, listening, and confidentiality.

Being a friend seems natural, so why is training necessary?
Being a friend does come naturally to many people. However, skills such as active listening and offering respectful, nonjudgmental responses can benefit from training. BeFriender Ministry training enhances gifts and qualities the person already has. And God always has more in store for us to learn!

How do I find out more information?
If you would like more information regarding Care Meals Ministry please contact Carol Dobson our Care Pastor.

Care Ministry Categories

General Information | BeFrienders Ministry | Christ-Life Solution | Care Meals |

Breaking Thru Barriers | Comfort in Loss | Watch Care