During special times of need, the role of the BeFriender is to be a companion on the journey. BeFriender ministers bring the caring presence of God and the community through a listening, compassionate presence, offering emotional and spiritual support.
BeFriendersaccept people as they are without telling them how they ought to be. They listen without giving advice and allow people to make their own decisions.
BeFrienders visit people of various ages with diverse needs, backgrounds, and situations. Examples of individuals visited would include homebound elderly, nursing home residents, individuals experiencing grief and loss, or those dealing with any number of life’s difficult circumstances.
BeFriender ministers receive training that develops communication skills, faith sharing, and ministry reflection. After training,BeFrienders meet twice monthly, with supervision, to reflect on their ministry and to pray.
The frequency of visits will be determined by the people visited and the BeFriender. Together, the BeFriender and BeFriended will determine the duration of the relationship.
Yes. BeFrienders maintain a strict policy of confidentiality. The privacy of those BeFriended is maintained during ministry reflection through the use of fictitious names and the elimination of unnecessary identifying details.
For more information contact:
Charlene Kosloski,
Parish Nurse & BeFriender Ministry Coordinator
Immanuel Lutheran Church
(763) 389-1420 or charlene@immanuelprinceton.org
