St. Mark's is beginning a BeFriender Ministry program. The role of the BeFriender is to be a companion on the journey through their listening, presence, and compassion. BeFriender ministers bring with them the caring presence of God and the community. BeFrienders participate in ongoing, biweekly ministry reflection with the supervision of BeFriender staff, coordinators, and the BeFriender team. Ministry reflection provides accountability and growth which assists BeFrienders in their ability to listen and be nonjudgmental, to put aside their own prejudices or desire to give advice.
Confidentiality is maintained.
BeFriender Ministry shows me the sacredness in those I BeFriend. BeFriender Ministry is a lay pastoral care program. That means 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. BeFrienders accept people as they are without telling them how they ought to be, listen with compassion without giving advice, allow others to make their own decisions without trying to decide for them. There is no counseling or advice-giving in BeFriending.