6. Share "Steps to Peace with God," page 11.
7. If the caller receives Christ, offer the assurance that this experience can be the catalyst for real change: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).
8. Explain that to help bring about this change, he or she needs to begin to read and study the Bible. Offer to send Living in Christ for help in getting started.
9. Encourage prayer, because communicating with God is very important in effecting change. We can turn over to God all our emotions and our problems through prayer: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). Also share Philippians 4:6. Suggest writing these references down so he or she can look up the verses easily.
10. Encourage seeking new friendships by identifying with a local Bibleteaching church. This will provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, Bible study, and service, all of which are important in the person's attempt to redirect the focus of his or her life.
10. Encourage seeking new friendships by identifying with a local Bibleteaching church. This will provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, Bible study, and service, all of which are important in the person's attempt to redirect the focus of his or her life.
11. If you are involved in a telephone ministry center, ask the person if your supervisor might call the following evening. With this offer, he or she will have something to look forward to. Ask what would be a convenient time to call. (PLEASE NOTE: If such a promise is made, be sure to turn over your "Counselor's Report Form" to your supervisor so that it is not forgotten!)
11. If you are involved in a telephone ministry center, ask the person if your supervisor might call the following evening. With this offer, he or she will have something to look forward to. Ask what would be a convenient time to call. (PLEASE NOTE: If such a promise is made, be sure to turn over your "Counselor's Report Form" to your supervisor so that it is not forgotten!)
12. Ask if the person would like a visit from a pastor, if such a contact could be arranged. Do not promise that it will happen, but state that we will do what we can. If it seems unlikely that you will be able to set up such a meeting, encourage the caller to personally make such a contact. Whatever the case, suicidal calls should be followed up if at all possible.
12. Ask if the person would like a visit from a pastor, if such a contact could be arranged. Do not promise that it will happen, but state that we will do what we can. If it seems unlikely that you will be able to set up such a meeting, encourage the caller to personally make such a contact. Whatever the case, suicidal calls should be followed up if at all possible.
13. If the inquirer doesn't make a commitment to Christ, encourage him or her the best you can. Explain that he or she can act on what you have shared at any time. The door of access to God is always open. Recommend making contact with a local pastor for counseling. Immediacy is important.
13. If the inquirer doesn't make a commitment to Christ, encourage him or her the best you can. Explain that he or she can act on what you have shared at any time. The door of access to God is always open. Recommend making contact with a local pastor for counseling. Immediacy is important. Helping the Suicidal Christian:
Christians are not immune to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Unresolved or unconfessed sin, or a crisis situation such as a deep disappointment, the death of a loved one, a divorce, loss of employment, loss of health, or a nervous breakdown can precipitate depression severe enough to lead to such an attempt.