Introduction

Contributing Factors

Identifying Symptoms of Depression

Treatment

“Real” Intersection of Systems

Action Ideas That Work

Resource Links

Resource Pages

References

Action Ideas That Work

Understanding Depression: A free series of educational forums provided by six south Minneapolis churches

Health Fair – Understanding Mental Health and Depression

Tele-Group for Depression

Friendly Visitor Programs

Befriender and Stephen Minister Lay Ministry Programs

A Card Ministry

Befriender and Stephen Minister Lay Ministry Programs

The Befriender Ministry is a national, ecumenical program that trains and supports leaders for a listening ministry of lay pastoral care. Befrienders are lay people who support people in need through visits, phone calls, conversations, etc. Additionally, they will commit to an ongoing reflections process which includes individual and group reflection with other Befrienders. After an initial 20-hour training they typically commit to meeting once or twice a month with the other Befrienders for enrichment sessions. Befrienders are asked to make an initial one year commitment to the program, discerning annually their renewed commitment and involvement.

The program also utilizes coordinators who are also lay people (staff or volunteers) whose task is to coordinate the linking process, facilitate Befriender enrichment sessions, and recruit new Befrienders. Coordinators provide support to the Befrienders in their ministry. They are also integral to educating the congregation about Befrienders and involving church staff and leadership in promoting the program. Coordinators are typically asked to make a two year commitment, and attend both a Coordinator and befriender training.

To learn more about the Befriender Program, contact: The Befriender Program, University of St. Thomas, 2260 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, 651-962-5775

Another program similar to the Befriender is the Stephen Ministries Program. It was developed by a Lutheran pastor, in order to better equip lay persons to help with crisis, caring ministry. Like the Befriender program, Stephen Ministers and program Coordinators receive structured training. Contact: Stephen Ministries Program 2045 Innerbelt Business Center Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63114-5765, 314-428-2600.