BGEA Releases Online Program to Equip Students in Comforting Others
The sad reality is that young people are not impervious to the suffering and anguish brought about by tragedies. From broken relationships to traffic accidents, they are faced with real and painful struggles as they are trying to navigate the changing world around them.
Recognizing this, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has released Sharing Hope in Crisis Student Training, a new online program which provides practical help to prepare Christian students (ages 15−19) to share God’s hope with friends, neighbors, and anyone who is suffering—whether in the aftermath of a disaster or from the tragedies of everyday life.
Sharing Hope in Crisis Student Training draws upon years of ministry and crisis response from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, the international network of chaplains who have been specially-trained to offer emotional and spiritual care following natural and man-made disasters. The organization has held several student training events across the country, but this is the first time that same material is available to everybody regardless of location.
“When life falls apart, it’s so important to be there for your friend, to love them and help them see that God loves them too,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “We want to equip our students so they don’t need to hide from their friends, but can instead show compassion and walk alongside them as they struggle through the valley.”
Sharing Hope in Crisis Student Training focuses on four key areas:
1. When Crisis Happens: Understanding how a traumatic event affects the way people comprehend things and alters their perspective.
2. Good News: Sharing the Gospel in a way that brings hope, not more pain or guilt.
3. Good Communication: Utilizing questions and good listening skills to help others.
4. Sharing Hope: Understanding the right things to say and do, in order to let healing begin.
The class can be found at BillyGrahamOnlineTraining.org. It consists of eight self-paced lessons, and costs $40. Students have three months to complete the program. The program is all-inclusive, with no additional books or materials required.
Sharing Hope in Crisis Student Training is the latest offering added to the BGEA’s online evangelism training ministry. It joins the traditional Sharing Hope in Crisis course, Schools of Evangelism Online, and ReIgnite (the online version of the Christian growth and evangelism course taught in cities holding BGEA outreaches).
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available.
(Source: Christian Newswire)
