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BeFriender Ministry

A Listening Presence

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Getting Started

Step 1: Assess Current Readiness

listening over coffee

In order for BeFriender Ministry to be effective, a certain amount of readiness for lay pastoral care must be present. During the Foundations for BeFriender Ministry Workshop, you will receive the necessary resources for preparing your church or organization for BeFriender Ministry. In other words, everything does not need to be perfect in order to begin! You will also learn a discernment process for calling forth BeFriender Ministers.

The following questions may be of help to you in assessing current readiness

  • In what areas can we enhance/expand our Pastoral care? Who would benefit from a listening presence?
  • Will we have support of the pastor and staff?
  • Can we work in partnership as clergy, staff and volunteers?

Step 2:  Identify the BeFriender Ministry Supervisor

At least one staff person such as (clergy, chaplain, deacon, parish nurse, director of pastoral care, pastoral minister, visitation pastor, etc.) must be on the leadership team as the person with ultimate accountability for the ministry on behalf of the church or organization.

Step 3: Understand the role of the leadership team

The members of the leadership team carry out these functions for the ministry. You do not need to determine roles prior to attending “Foundations for BeFriender Ministry”

  • Trainer. Leads skill development. Trains BeFriender candidates and provides continuing education for BeFrienders.
  • Facilitator. Leads group process. Facilitates a small group process for learning from ministry and supervises BeFrienders.
  • Administrator. Leads program implementation and maintenance. Receives referrals, assigns BeFrienders, regularly evaluates the program, and publicizes the program.

Step  4: Select your Leadership Team

It is recommended that two to five people serve on the leadership team and attend “Foundations for BeFriender Ministry”. (See Selecting Your Leadership Team)

Step  5: Register Leadership Team for Foundations for BeFriender Ministry

Find a time that works for your team and register.  Start here with scheduled workshops

Questions: if you have any questions as you are getting started, please contact BeFriender Ministry at 952-767-0244 or email [email protected]

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Virtual Foundations for BeFriender Ministry

Training for New BeFriender Leaders

April 20, 27; May 4, 11, 2023
8:30 – 5:00 Central Time
Early Bird Discount ends March 20
—Register April 20, 27; May 4, 11, 2023

June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023
Virtual Workshop
Early Bird Discount ends: May 7
—Register June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

Download our Virtual Foundations Event Flyer

See our full foundations schedule


Additional Virtual Events

Winter 2023
Virtual BeFriender Candidate Training

Deb

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

Deb

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

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BeFriender Ministry – A Listening Presence

1120 E 80th Street, Suite 105
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-767-0244

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