What Are BeFrienders?

The BeFriender Ministry at Redeemer began in 1955. A lay pastoral care program, it is not so much a "doing" as a "being," wherein specially trained lay persons enter into caring relationships with others at times of special need by visiting with them, being with them - bringing emotional and spiritual support. The frequency of visits is determined by the individuals involved but usually are scheduled every week or two and last approximately an hour. BeFrienders are trained to accept people as they are without telling them how they ought to be, to listen with compassion but without giving advice, to allow others to make their own decisions without trying to decide for them. They are there to listen, not to solve problems or suggest solutions.

If you would like information about the next BeFriender Ministry Training Program or would like to have a BeFriender Minister visit you or a family member or would like to suggest that a BeFriender contact someone you know, contact Margaret Johnson at 266-2715.