According to VA Staff Chaplain Andy Weems, suicide isn’t a topic pastors are fully prepared to handle within their congregations or communities.
“There is a scramble to get advice on comforting a family, preparing a funeral or message, and about what can be done for the family and congregation in the days that follow. How many pastors preach a sermon on suicide or address this problem before it affects us,” Weems asks, yet “how many families and members are touched by suicide in their lifetime? Most likely many more than we would want or could imagine.”
Weems’ unique perspective is enhanced by his other role as a CMBA pastor of North Columbia Baptist Church. He says that pastors aren’t immune to suicide, despite what many might think about their calling.
“There are pastors who take their own life after having covered up their fears, depression, or a lack of hope that crept into their lives. We hear of a suicide and think ‘they seemed to have it all together,’ who could have ever imagined that this person, of all people, would take their own life,” he says.
In response to this emerging crisis among ministry leaders and veterans, Weems is sharing with the CMBA Family of Churches this information about a free three-hour seminar sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Upstate Warrior Solution. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m. until noon, at The Rupert Huse Veteran Center in Greenville, with an additional option to join virtually. While there is no fee to participate, registration is required and includes lunch if attending in person.
The presentation will include training on suicide prevention, moral injury, and help for men and women who are transitioning from military life to civilian life. Clergy, faith leaders, and first responder chaplains are encouraged to attend.
“It is easy to look at suicide as an unfortunate sin some commit, until it happens to someone we love and care for who is close to us,” Weems says. “When schools have a student or teacher suicide, they sometimes ask for local clergy to help them provide care to students and staff in the aftermath. How many of our pastors, student ministers or staff really know what to say or how to provide effective care for those that are confused and hurting? Maybe it is time to be proactive and preemptive in our approach to suicide, moral injury, and loving our Veterans well.”
Registration information may be found online at Event Registration – Upstate Warrior Solution.
