Stephen Ministry
If you wish to receive help from the Stephen Ministry, please contact a Stephen Leader.
Stephen Ministry Is…
a program of our congregation that equips members to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who…
- express God’s care through their lives to others
- receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
- are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
- visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care
- participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
- are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
- serve for a minimum of two years
- receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to…
- the hospitalized
- the aging and elderly
- the terminally ill and their families
- those with disabilities and their families
- people who move into or out of our community
- those needing the support of a Christian friend
- those grieving a death or serious loss
- those facing life transitions
- the homebound and institutionalized
- the separated or divorced
- people who are lonely or depressed
- households experiencing birth or adoption
- those with a job crisis
- those in spiritual crisis
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be assured that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.
Stephen Ministry Multiplies Our Christian Care-giving and Outreach
Our Stephen Ministers form one part of our church’s care-giving team. They complement the care already offered by the pastors and, very importantly, that care offered by all of us to one another in the name of Christ.
Stephen Ministry enhances our outreach by
- creating a commitment to caring ministry where many (instead of a few) are offering God’s love and care in intentional, systematic ways.
- enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
- identifying our congregation to our community as a place where people’s needs are taken seriously.
How You Can Support Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry?
- Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
- Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
- Inform Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister–being sure to get that person’s permission first!
- Share with others in our community the availability of our congregation’s Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
- Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
- Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
- Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.
If you wish to receive help from the Stephen Ministry, please contact a Stephen Leader.
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