Life Line Movement
Diocesan Press Service. February 7, 1964 [XVIII-5]
Twenty-four hours a day Christian laymen in Sydney, Australia are ready to answer a call for help. These laymen are telephone counselors and part of the Life Line Movement.
The Sydney Central Methodist Mission had received many calls from people who did not know where to turn in times of crisis. From this obvious need, sprang the idea of using the telephone as a point of contact for those who had lost contact with the church.
This idea resulted in the Life Line Movement, started in 1962, and in the Life Line Center which was opened the following year.
The laymen who volunteer for the Movement are challenged to accept a five-fold pledge which begins with a declaration of faith in Christ. All who are accepted must attend lecture courses, be interviewed and pass through a period of probation. They then must be ready to accept duties as directed by the Executive in one of the five sections of the work: telephone counselors, the caring division, area visitors, young life-liners and general service.
This opportunity for ministry which has produced almost a lay revival among the people. Untapped resources have been discovered and something has been seen of what happens when the laity awakes.
After the original telephone contact, every effort is made to see the person through recovery. A message is left by the telephone counselor for the full time personnel of the Center. Personal friendship is offered by selected people or group therapy is attempted. A "New Life Group" is available to assist people with special needs: alcoholics, compulsive gamblers and those who have attempted suicide.
Since its beginning March 16, 1963, the Life Line Movement, through its "Trouble Team," has saved the lives of many who threaten suicide. It has taken Christ to the people and is uncovering the needs that have developed in a mass society. According to Alan Walker, Superintendent of the Central Methodist Mission, a city needs a common point of referral to which people at the point of confusion or distress can turn; Life Line has supplied this. The movement has given its members a great evangelistic opportunity and they have responded to the challenge.