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BeFrienders
Kathey Osenbau
Caring Ministries Coordinator
(480) 899-1990 ext. 136
At times, life is a difficult journey for just about every person. Many need, now and then, a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a living witness (a reminder) of a caring community.
A BeFriender minister is a volunteer who enjoys one-to-one (person-to-person) caring ministry. BeFriender ministers are trained in listening and supportive skills. Through listening, presence, and compassion, Befrienders represent the caring presence of God and the faith community to those experiencing life-transitions, loss, grief, and/or crisis.
At St. Andrew the Apostle, specific training is required for Befriender ministry. It includes topics such as Grief and Loss; Spirituality; Confidentiality; and Communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BeFriender Ministry?
BeFriender 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.
How do BeFrienders do this?
BeFrienders provide a nonjudgmental listening presence to those they visit.
How much counseling is involved in befriending?
BeFrienders are not counselors and do not give advice.
Are BeFrienders expected to solve problems?
BeFrienders listen; they do not solve problems or impose solutions. BeFrienders also discern with the people they visit whether referrals to professionals or agencies are appropriate.
How long does the training last?
A BeFriender candidate receives about 20 hours of training and serves a short internship before becoming a BeFriender.
What topics are covered in training?
The training addresses issues such as listening, grief and loss, spirituality, and confidentiality. Many of the skills learned are applicable to any relationship in a person's life in addition to BeFriender relationships.
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!
Is there ongoing support for BeFrienders?
Yes. BeFrienders meet regularly in supervised small groups for reflection on their ministry and continuing education.
Does the BeFriender Ministry provide volunteers opportunities for spiritual growth?
Yes. BeFrienders learn to appreciate both the commonality and individuality among people. Respect for others is deepened, as is awareness that we are called to be fully present to each other, not only in this ministry but also in all parts of our lives. BeFrienders often gain a deeper understanding of unity in Christ by learning to more deeply value the experience and perspective of each person they encounter.
What do BeFrienders do?
BeFrienders are trained to provide a listening presence to others, not to be experts in whatever situation they might encounter. 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.
For information and assistance, contact Ms. Kathey Osenbau, our Coordinator of Caring Ministries.