More about BeFriender Ministry

What it's like to have a BeFriender
The person befriended and the BeFriender together decide how often to meet (typically every week or two for about an hour). They mutually choose a safe place to meet where confidentiality can be maintained.
If they meet several times, they'll periodically evaluate how the relationship is going and if it's helpful.
A BeFriender will be present and listen to whatever the other person wants to talk about. The BeFriender will provide support without giving advice or making judgments. BeFrienders are comfortable with silence, too.

Why we have BeFrienders
BeFriender Ministry expands our capacity to provide pastoral care to all members. BeFrienders have chosen to respond in this way to God's call for us to minister to one another.

Who is involved in BeFriender Ministry
Pastor Gus Kuether oversees BeFriender Ministry at St. Paul UCC. He also will refer individuals to BeFriender Ministry.

Program leaders train, supervise, and provide continuing education to BeFrienders. The program leaders are:

How to become a BeFriender
Call any member of the BeFriender Leadership Team (BLT): Luci Bradley, Betty Leppard, Dana Rosenzweig or Pastor Kuether for information. You also can pick up a brochure titled "Become a BeFriender" from the literature rack in the Welcome Center.

The BeFriender Ministry National Office
Our program leaders were trained by the BeFriender Ministry National Office. If you'd like to know more about the national office, click on the link below. Please note that the national office does not have a call-for-help service.

© 2007 BeFriender Ministry - A Listening Presence