The Friendship Ministry helps churches care for people with mental health problems in their community. Created by Dr. Stephen Saunders and shaped by the Friendship Bench program in Zimbabwe (Friendship Bench | Community-Based Mental Health Care) developed, it trains a Pastor and Co-Leader to guide lay volunteers called Friendship Ministers.
Each church shapes the program to fit its own needs, but it always works under the Pastor’s leadership and stays true to both the Bible and good mental health practices. Friendship Ministers are not mental health professionals. Instead, they are trained to listen, encourage, pray, and help with problem-solving using appropriate ethical boundaries. When someone needs more care, they point them to professional help.
Below are links to resources to be used by Certified Friendship Ministry Trainers. If you are not a certified trainer, you are welcome to review the materials and contact the Meros Center (connect@meroscenter.org) to inquire about how to become a certified trainer. It is our prayer that this information will be a blessing to communities around the world.
Problem Solving Worksheet – Thinking Focus
Friendship Ministry Leadership/Trainer Guide
Friendship Ministry Procedure Manual
Friendship Ministry Meeting-by-Meeting Instruction Manual
Problem Identification Worksheet