The E. Stanley Jones Foundation, in partnership with the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries, has developed a suicide prevention video training course. The course equips faith leaders and faith communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent suicide, respond to crises, and support individuals and families affected by suicide loss. Watch the Watch the 2 3/4-hour long video below.
“The curriculum reflects the vision of E. Stanley Jones, who believed that Christ’s healing embraces the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Yet this wholeness is not automatic. Faith leaders need and deserve thoughtful training to walk alongside those facing despair and to support those grieving loss. This offering equips the Church to respond with informed compassion, practical skill, and enduring hope.”
— Dr. Anne Mathews-Younes, president of the E. Stanley Jones Foundation
“Faith leaders are often among the first people individuals turn to in times of deep distress. Yet many have not received adequate training in suicide prevention. This video training course helps bridge that gap—offering both theological grounding and practical, life-saving tools.”
— Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Retired Bishop, The United Methodist Church
“This training affirms that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Faith communities can be places of powerful hope, connection, and healing when leaders are equipped to respond with knowledge, courage, and grace. I am grateful to the E. Stanley Jones Foundation for its vision to create this important and timely tool for clergy. We were glad to play a role in supporting their vision to train clergy in suicide prevention.”
— Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries
Additional Resources
- In crisis? In the United States, call or text the 988 Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
- Read the announcement for the course to learn more
- Download a quick reference guide with key points from the training course
- Learn more about the Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and discover additional resources at the Faith Communities Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
- Discover health and well-being resources for clergy from Wespath
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the E. Stanley Jones Foundation for generously gifting the intellectual property of their Suicide Prevention training curriculum to the General Boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education & Ministry of The United Methodist Church, which enabled the development of this video to train faith leaders in the United States and around the world.
Subject Matter Experts
- The Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow, Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Intern Program, Perkins School of Theology
- Dr. Karen Mason, Professor of Counseling and Psychology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Dr. Anne Mathews-Younes, President, E. Stanley Jones Foundation; Former Deputy Director, Federal Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
- Dr. Richard McKeon, Senior Advisor, SAMHSA 988 & Crisis Office & Script Reviewer
- Dr. Melinda Moore, Professor of Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University
- Ken Norton, MSW, Former Executive Director, NAMI NH
- Dr. Jerry Reed, Advisor/Consultant, Suicide Prevention and Response
- The Rev. Dit Talley, Adjunct Instructor, Johns Hopkins University School of Education
- Dr. Mathew Thomas, Principal Clinical Research and Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Consultant
- Jennifer Tyler, Director of Suicide Prevention Initiatives, E. Stanley Jones Foundation; Training Program Developer
Narrator
- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Retired Bishop, The United Methodist Church
Produced, Directed, Filmed, Edited & Script Adaptation by:
- Adam Bowers, Owner, Bowers Content Studio
