Walking Beside People Through Life's Storms
Walking Beside People Through Life's Storms
Hello, I'm Michael Parnell.
Hello, I'm Michael Parnell.
Thank you for taking the time to visit Stand Alongside.
Thank you for taking the time to visit Stand Alongside.
For more than twenty-five years, I have worked in public safety and crisis environments, supporting people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Those experiences taught me something that has shaped both my life and this ministry:
For more than twenty-five years, I have worked in public safety and crisis environments, supporting people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Those experiences taught me something that has shaped both my life and this ministry:
People rarely remember every word that was spoken. They remember who stayed with them.That simple truth became the foundation of Stand Alongside – A Ministry of Presence.
People rarely remember every word that was spoken. They remember who stayed with them.That simple truth became the foundation of Stand Alongside – A Ministry of Presence.
My Calling
My Calling
My calling is not simply to preach.
My calling is not simply to preach.
It is to be present.
It is to be present.
I believe that some of the most meaningful moments of ministry happen quietly—sitting beside someone in hospital, supporting a grieving family, listening without judgement, praying with someone who has run out of words, or simply being there when life feels overwhelming.
I believe that some of the most meaningful moments of ministry happen quietly—sitting beside someone in hospital, supporting a grieving family, listening without judgement, praying with someone who has run out of words, or simply being there when life feels overwhelming.
My desire is to reflect the compassion of Jesus Christ by offering hope, practical support and a listening ear to anyone facing difficult circumstances.
My desire is to reflect the compassion of Jesus Christ by offering hope, practical support and a listening ear to anyone facing difficult circumstances.
Professional Background
Professional Background
Alongside my pastoral ministry, I bring more than twenty-five years of experience in public safety and crisis management.
Alongside my pastoral ministry, I bring more than twenty-five years of experience in public safety and crisis management.
I am also a Registered Christian Counsellor with the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) and continue to develop professionally through training in areas including:
I am also a Registered Christian Counsellor with the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) and continue to develop professionally through training in areas including:
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care
Christian Counselling
Christian Counselling
Mental Health
Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention
Bereavement Support
Bereavement Support
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Suicide Prevention Awareness
Suicide Prevention Awareness
I believe compassionate ministry should always be supported by professionalism, integrity and lifelong learning.
I believe compassionate ministry should always be supported by professionalism, integrity and lifelong learning.
What You Can Expect
What You Can Expect
If we meet, you can expect someone who will:
If we meet, you can expect someone who will:
Listen without judgement.
Listen without judgement.
Treat you with dignity and respect.
Treat you with dignity and respect.
Walk alongside you at your own pace.
Walk alongside you at your own pace.
Be honest and compassionate.
Be honest and compassionate.
Pray with you if you would like me to.
Pray with you if you would like me to.
Respect your beliefs and your story.
Respect your beliefs and your story.
Whether you are a committed Christian, exploring faith, or simply looking for someone to talk to, you will always be welcomed with kindness and respect.
Whether you are a committed Christian, exploring faith, or simply looking for someone to talk to, you will always be welcomed with kindness and respect.
My Hope
My Hope
My hope is simple.
My hope is simple.
That every person who meets me leaves knowing they have been heard, valued and not left to face life's challenges alone.
That every person who meets me leaves knowing they have been heard, valued and not left to face life's challenges alone.
If Stand Alongside can bring hope to even one person during their darkest season, then this ministry is fulfilling its purpose.
If Stand Alongside can bring hope to even one person during their darkest season, then this ministry is fulfilling its purpose.
A Personal Invitation
A Personal Invitation
If you are facing a difficult time, have questions about faith, or simply need someone to listen, I would be honoured to hear from you.
If you are facing a difficult time, have questions about faith, or simply need someone to listen, I would be honoured to hear from you.
You do not have to walk through life's storms alone.
You do not have to walk through life's storms alone.
Michael Parnell
Michael Parnell
Founder
Founder
Stand Alongside – A Ministry of Presence
Stand Alongside – A Ministry of Presence