BeFrienders

I spent four days this week with three amazing lay people at church who have committed to being the leadership team for a new ministry at Centennial. The four of us went to an intensive training for BeFrienders ministry - we learned what we need to know to begin, train, and administrate this new ministry. I believe our people need this ministry, because all of the pastoral care is currently provided by Brian, Julia, and myself. There are so many needs that the three of us alone can not meet. And we have so many in our congregation who have been gifted with the ability to offer care and compassion through a listening ear.

The training was a good reminder of what I learned in seminary - even with all of the training I have recieved, it is easy to forget at times, and fall back into the pattern of talking more than listening, when sitting with someone who is going through a difficult time.

The foundational principles of BeFrienders ministry is:
1. Remember that God is present.
2. We are called to care for people, not offer cures.
3. We are called to be a nonjudgmental presence to people during difficult times.
4. We are called to active listening (which means a whole lot of listening and a little bit of talking)

These seem basic enough, but they are pretty big things! May God be with us as we begin this ministry and guide us along a path that will lead to greater care for others...
melanie