Leadership Development • BeFriender Ministry

The BeFriender Ministry is a lay pastoral visitation ministry that responds to the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals by bringing a caring presence and a living reminder of God’s and community’s love. The role of the BeFrienders is to be companions on the journey through their listening, presence and compassion.

Participating parishes
Redeemer, Mechanicsville; St. Edward, Richmond; St. Mary, Richmond; Immaculate Conception, Hampton; St. Gabriel, Richmond; St. Augustine, Richmond; Holy Family, Virginia Beach; St. Jerome, Newport News; St. Michael, Richmond; St. Therese, Gloucester; St. Joan of Arc, Yorktown; Sacred Heart, Norfolk; St. James Episcopal, Richmond; Woodlake United Methodist, Richmond.

What are BeFrienders?
BeFrienders are specially trained lay persons that enter into caring relationships with others at times of special need by visiting with them and bringing them emotional and spiritual support.

How do BeFrienders do this?
BeFrienders accept people as they are without telling them how they ought to be and listen with compassion without giving advice.

How is a BeFriender different than a "Friend"?
Being a friend comes naturally. However, skills such as listening and giving feedback in a respectful manner often need strengthening. Thus, BeFriender Ministry training develops and gives direction to gifts and qualities the person already possesses.

Is confidentiality an issue?
Yes.  BeFrienders maintain a strict policy of confidentiality.  We respect the privacy of all who are BeFriended.

Who do BeFrienders visit?
BeFrienders visit people of various ages with diverse needs, backgrounds and situations such as loss of loved ones, sickness and recovery, or loneliness.  Such diversity offers a rich experience in learning and growing for BeFrienders and the BeFriended.

How much counseling and problem solving is involved in BeFriending?
There is no counseling, giving advice, or problem solving in BeFriending. The idea is to be a listening presence to those who are BeFriended.  Referrals to appropriate professionals are made when needed.

What kind of commitment do BeFrienders make?
BeFrienders agree to training, a short internship and a willingness to evaluate with the BeFriender coordinators whether to become a BeFriender.

What kind of training do BeFrienders receive?
BeFriender training develops communication skills, faith sharing, and ministry reflection. It also addresses issues such as grief and loss, spirituality, aging, listening and confidentiality. Training is typically covered in 35 hours.

Is there ongoing support and training for BeFriender ministers and candidates?
Yes, BeFrienders meet twice each month with supervision to reflect on their ministry, to pray, and for continuing education.

How do BeFrienders grow personally?
BeFrienders learn to appreciate both the commonality and individuality among people.  They gain a deeper respect for others and an awareness that they are called to be present to each other, not only in BeFriender Ministry, but in all parts of their lives.

How do BeFrienders grow spiritually?
BeFrienders gain a deeper understanding of unity in Christ by appreciating the value of each member of our community. They learn how Christ calls us to be together in our joy and our pain.

How can I get more information on BeFrienders? Revised 7-23-07
You can email info@befrienderministry.org or check out their website at http://www.befrienderministry.org - toll free number 1-866-468-8708

Contact: Rick Miech