Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support (MESS) Training

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio is hosting a three-day program provided by Lutheran Disaster Response.

  Monday, November 16, 2026 | 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.(lunch provided)
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 8:00 - 4:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:00 - Noon

Course Description

MESS (Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support) training is an interfaith skills-based disaster program designed for clergy, lay leaders and community responders - people who may encounter and provide care for individuals in crisis or distress from conventional disasters or disasters of everyday life. This skill-based training helps equip the community to care for one another in times of crisis.

Attendees will learn to confidently support individuals facing mental, emotional, and spiritual distress using a 6-Part Protocol rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. This highly interactive course equips participants with practical skills for both supportive conversations and crisis stabilization—without the pressure to “fix” or offer quick solutions. No prior experience is required. Participants only need an empathetic spirit and a desire to walk alongside those who are hurting. This training is offered in partnership with MESS Ministries, Inc., the creators of the 6-Part Protocol.

Attendees will learn

To Show Up with compassionate, guiding presence.
To Lean In with deep listening, appropriate asking, and further exploration.
To Listen Out to identify immediate needs and critical concerns.
To Provide Care through crisis stabilization or supportive acceptance and empowering action.
To Kindle Hope by encouraging perseverance and inspiriting possibility.
To Follow Up through planning and/or refer to next-level care.

Course Logistics
Duration: 2.5 Days (20 hours)
Format: In-person
Cost: The cost of this training is $25.00 and includes lunch on Nov 16 and 17
Class Size: Minimum of 10 participants for an in-person class; maximum of 40 people

Contact Pastor Tim Wrenn at Prince of Peace for more information.