About

What is BeFriender Ministry?

BeFriender Ministry educates, forms and supports women and men as leaders for a listening ministry of care. Based on a model of mutuality, this national and ecumenical ministry heals hearts, energizes communities and transforms a suffering world.

BeFriender ministers provide pastoral care for people in all kinds of transitional or difficult situations. They are trained listeners who extend the care of your faith community or organization.

Since the early 1980’s BeFrienders have been providing skilled pastoral care throughout the nation.

BeFriender and board member Bill Pederson shares the impact BeFriender Ministry has had on his life.

Pastor Christy Hallenbeck Ask, shares how BeFriender Ministry is making a difference. Pastor Christy shares her experience on South Dakota Public Radio during a discussion regarding faith communities supporting persons living with isolation and loneliness.

Listen to what Pastor Christy Hallenbeck Ask had to say.

Pastor Dan

“I encourage any congregation to receive this training! It was well organized and very user friendly. We all feel prepared and excited to begin this Caring Ministry that we feel has the power to transform our congregation.”

Pastor Dan

Chaplain John

“The BeFriender teams on our campuses have been invaluable in doing phone ministry with fellow residents during this time of social isolation. Some campuses have divided their total population among the BeFrienders so that everyone gets an occasional call!”

Chaplain John

Deb

“We are living in a unique, stressful, anxious time that BeFriender Ministry is uniquely qualified to respond to.”

Deb