New suicide prevention video training equips UMC and faith leaders with practical, compassionate tools to prevent suicide and support healing. (Image Courtesy of Higher Education and Ministry)
May 1, 2026 | Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries
The E. Stanley Jones Foundation and the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries have partnered to develop and release a suicide prevention video training course designed to equip faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent suicide, respond to crises, and care for individuals and families affected by suicide loss.
Narrated by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, the training course brings together subject matter experts for faith-based reflection, public health insights, and practical guidance to address one of today’s most urgent and sensitive challenges. While developed with United Methodist clergy in mind, it is intentionally designed to be accessible and useful for faith leaders across Christian denominations and other faith traditions, as well as seminary students and lay leaders.
“The curriculum reflects the vision of E. Stanley Jones, who believed that Christ’s healing embraces the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” said Dr. Anne Mathews-Younes, president of the E. Stanley Jones Foundation. “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.”
“Faith leaders are often among the first people individuals turn to in times of deep distress,” said Bishop Palmer. “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.”
Suicide remains a significant public health crisis in the United States and globally, affecting individuals, families, congregations, and entire communities. A study by Lifeway Research found that while many churchgoers expect their faith leaders to address mental health and suicide, many clergy feel unprepared to do so. Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes long and organized into chapters, this suicide prevention video training course:
- Provides foundational facts about suicide and debunks common myths
- Explores biblical, theological, and denominational perspectives on suicide
- Teaches concrete skills for prevention, intervention, and postvention
- Guides faith leaders in recognizing warning signs and responding appropriately
- Emphasizes compassionate, non-judgmental language and care
- Highlights the importance of connection, hope, and professional support
The training is built around nationally recognized suicide prevention competencies for faith leaders. It emphasizes that faith leaders are not expected to be clinicians, but rather compassionate gatekeepers and first responders—individuals who can recognize risk, ask direct questions, offer spiritual support, and connect people to professional care.
The training course also addresses how faith leaders can responsibly communicate about suicide, support survivors of suicide loss, reduce stigma, and foster congregations that are suicide-aware and suicide-safe. Throughout the course, viewers are reminded of the importance of connecting individuals in crisis to immediate help, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
“This training affirms that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries. “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.”
Viewers may engage with the full course or return to specific chapters as needed, making it a flexible resource for ongoing ministry and leadership development. It can be used individually or in group settings.