Suicide Prevention
How can your ministry recognize and respond when someone is hurting deeply?
Suicide can feel like an overwhelming topic, but knowing how to recognize and respond to someone in crisis can save lives. You don’t need special training to make a difference—just compassion and courage.
People at risk often show signs through their words or actions—talking about death or self-harm, withdrawing from others, or acting differently than usual.
There’s a simple, research-backed tool called the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). This brief set of questions can help anyone assess suicide risk and determine how best to support someone in need. While it’s effective for clinical use, it was also designed to be accessible for everyone—parents, teens, ministry leaders, and friends alike. To learn more and access the tool, visit: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/Community-Card-Friends-and-Family-3.pdf
Often, people don’t realize how serious someone’s pain is until it’s too late. We hear stories like, “I wish I had asked more questions,” or “I didn’t know they were so desperate.” Taking a few minutes to understand the signs and the questions to ask can prepare you to help before tragedy strikes.
Scriptural Foundation:
📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
→ Ministry is about holding space for brokenness with God’s love.
📖 Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens.”
→ Leadership includes walking alongside those in pain.
📖 John 15:12 – “Love each other as I have loved you.”
→ True love requires attentive presence and courageous care.
Personal Reflection:
How prepared do you feel to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk in your ministry? What steps can you take to build that capacity?
Action Step:
Take time this week to familiarize yourself with the C-SSRS questions. Consider training for your staff and volunteers on compassionate listening and suicide prevention to build a trauma-informed culture of safety—especially for those whose life may depend on it.
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