Peer Ministers develop communication skills that allow them to reach out beyond themselves to effectively help those around them. Skills include listening, questioning, non-verbal communication, how to welcome a stranger, defining values, and decision-making; all in the context of the Christian faith.

“Jesus invited and granted to all who call themselves

Christians, the privilege of being ministers in continuing the work

He did as He encountered people in need.”

- Lyle Griner, Director of Peer Ministry

Two Key Words

Welcoming

Peer Ministers develop a sensitivity to those that do not adapt or “fit in”, making every effort to welcome and include others in all situations promoting diversity and acceptance.

Awareness

Peer Ministers become aware of the hurts and needs of those around them and live out the Good Samaritan story. They are available as caring listeners, guiding healthy and purposeful decisions, assisting others to learn the social skills, and referring to appropriate resources when needed.

Four Planned Ministry Goals

Peer Ministry strives to help participants see caring and welcoming ministry in the midst of all aspects of life. Peer Ministers are challenged to set individual and team goals in various life settings.

1. Peer Ministry with an Individual

Peer Ministers choose a personal ministry that uses their skills in the midst of a caring relationship with another. An adult facilitator may refer a Peer Minister to become a mentor in a confirmation program, or to meet with a young person who is new to the church, or befriend a young person who is returning from a treatment center. In other cases Peer Ministers may choose to make their own contacts such as befriending someone with special needs in the neighborhood, regular visits to pray with a resident at a nursing home, or help a work colleague learn how to better approach a supervisor.

What is Peer Ministry?

“Peer Ministry, it's not a job,

it's an attitude.”  - Former Peer Minister

"Peer Ministry has helped draw out in me, the ability to listen and understand what people are really saying.  I feel that I am much more able to help others in their time of need." - Rachel Stein

"Peer Ministry has taught me many things that have helped my grow closer to other people and to God" - Austin Kent

Sign up for Sr. High Peer Ministry begins in early January.

Sign up for J.V. Peer Minsitry begins in September.

Rock, Paper, RUUNNNNN!!!!  Peer Ministers take a break from learning to play.

2. Peer Ministry in Family

A second goal is for a Peer Minister to apply the skills within his or her own family. For some it may mean intentionally spending time listening to a sister, or taking interest in a parent by asking about Mom’s feelings towards their job. Others may be enhance the faith of their family by identifying and building on the families rituals and traditions, encouraging and leading home devotions, creating a setting for caring conversations or by helping organize a family service opportunity.

3. Team Peer Ministry in the Church

Peer Ministers work as a team to provide caring and welcoming ministry within a congregational setting. The group may choose to lead small group discussions with Jr. Highers or Peers, decide to meet and greet congregation members before and after worship services, counsel at Summer Festival, organize service events, etc.

4. Team Peer Ministry in the Community

Peer Ministers work together to use their skills within a community. Groups have provided listening and prayer support after violent or tragic events. Some have plugged into after school programs for younger children. One group decided to train and work with a hospital’s hospice care program after they experienced the loss of a friend to cancer. Another group worked with the police force as their names were carried by police officers for when they needed a youth to comfort or talk with another youth. Still another group focused on the global community organizing and traveling to Honduras for a mission trip.

Peer Ministry Life Style Goal

While Peer Ministers are asked to set and serve within specific planned ministry goals, the effectiveness of Peer Ministry is that participants incorporate what they learn into everyday life. In a cafeteria conversation a Peer Minister discovers that a student is considering suicide. After listening and letting the person know she was cared for walked with her to the school counselor’s office. A friend learns of the death of a grandparent so the Peer Minister comforts and spends time listening as the person reflects. At a party it is the Peer Minister who notices that a young boy is sitting alone and so introduces himself engages him in conversation and then introduces him to others.  As one young person explained it, “Peer Ministry is just who I am now.”