2.5 Day MESS Basic
In Partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR)
Overview
In partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), MESS Ministries is offering Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Support (MESS Basic) training for clergy and lay leaders across the ELCA.
LDR has long been known for walking alongside communities in times of crisis—bringing help, hope, and healing long after the headlines fade. Now, through MESS Basic, that same spirit of accompaniment extends to the heart of the helper.
Some Of What You’ll Learn
- Validating Presence: Learn how to show up calmly and confidently when others are in distress.
- Stabilization Skills: Gain simple, practical tools to help restore safety, connection, and hope.
- Sustainable Care: Discover how to care for yourself while caring for others—so you can keep showing up well.
On Protocol – Two Toolkits
The 6-Part Protocol©
The MESS 6-Part Protocol© is the heart of every MESS training.
It’s a simple, repeatable framework that helps helpers bring calm, care, and connection when someone is struggling.
MES-Stabilization Toolkit
The MES-Stabilization Toolkit equips clergy, lay leaders, and responders with the skills to show up—and stay steady—during the critical minutes, hours, and days after tragedy. The goal of MES-Stabilization is to help individuals, families, and communities to return to mental, emotional, and spiritual functioning.
MES-Support Toolkit
After the “casseroles quit coming” and life begins to settle, care is still needed. The MES-Support Toolkit equips helpers with the skills to stay present with people grieving—with the goal to help those hurting hurt less and heal better.
Grant Funded
This training is made possible through the generous support of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR).
Details
This initiative supports clergy, lay leaders, and community responders working side by side—equipping them to care for others while also caring for themselves.
Together, we’re building networks of resilience, compassion, and hope throughout the ELCA.
Requirements
- No specialized background or credentials required — just a heart for caring and a willingness to show up for others in need.
- Participants are encouraged to attend the full duration of training to be good stewards of LDR’s grant funding and to receive the complete MESS experience.