Training Classes, Disaster Ops, Disaster Ministry, Faith-Based

SAID Training Now Available

Spiritual Accompaniment In Disaster

Across America there is a heightened awareness for organizations and individuals to be prepared to respond to disaster. The Church has a unique role in reaching out to those in need, but often is not well informed concerning the particular dynamics of trauma and crisis. view brochure

Spiritual Accompaniment In Disaster (SAID) Training helps answer important questions for clergy, parish nurses, mental health professionals, chaplains, and other faith leaders. It provides an opportunity for members of the faith community to find guidance on how to walk with people in times of disaster and crisis. You are invited to come and learn the answers to these questions and more:

· What really happens in a disaster affected community?

· What do you say to people who ask, “How could God let this happen"?

· How can I make a positive difference in the lives of disaster survivors?

. How do ecumenical and secular partners work together in response?

· In the threat of pandemic influenza, what are the important first steps?

. If a natural or human-caused disaster strikes our community, what do I do first?

· What is the long-term role of the faith community in disaster recovery?

This training will become an essential part of your ministry when faced with a crisis in your community. All of the presenters have stood with victims of major disasters, including 9/11. They come prepared to share their experiences and insights to help you offer a compassionate and effective response to those who are suffering.

After the “Spiritual Accompaniment In Disaster” training you will be eligible to apply to become a part of the SAID Network. The role of the SAID Network includes helping victims of disaster draw upon their own spiritual/religious resources; providing respite for clergy and other spiritual caregivers; offering assistance in coping with grief, loss and stress; and, working cooperatively with federal, state, and other emergency service organizations.

Training sessions are led by disaster response leaders:

Tim Bauer - Lutheran Chaplain at MeritCare Health Systems in Fargo, ND Greg Nelson - Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota
Bonnie Turner - Lutheran Disaster Response of North Dakota.

They give great insight into what happens to survivors of disaster and how walk with them through the after effects. After training, all attendees are eligible to apply to the SAID Network. Those involved will take the following roles when called upon in a disaster: helping survivors draw upon their own spiritual/religious resources; providing respite for clergy and other spiritual caregivers; offering assistance in coping with grief, loss and stress; and working cooperatively with federal, state and other emergency service organizations.