|
|
|
 What is Stephen Ministry ...
- It is a one-to-one caring ministry by trained, caring lay persons.
- It is a long term helping relationship focusing on the unique needs of each person.
- It is a commitment to caring and supporting one another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing community.
- It is a response to Christ's instruction "...to love one another as I have loved you."
- It is a spiritual and educational system of training and organization, which is already working in many congregations throughout the country.
- It is the ministry named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church.
Who is a Stephen Minister ...
A lay person, man or woman, who shares his/her gifts for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are lonely, grieving, strangers, new parents, ill, or experiencing other stresses in life.
A caring and sharing person who reaches out a supporting hand to the spiritual, social, and emotional need of our community.
What kind of needs does Stephen Ministry Address ...
- People who are hospitalized
- People who are grieving the loss of a loved one
- People who are lonely
- People who have family members deployed in the military
- People who are depressed
- People who are separated or in the process of divorce
- People experiencing the birth of a child
- People who are shut in
- People who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally ill
- People experiencing loss of job, or financial setbacks
- People and families of those who are in trouble with the law
- People who are new to our congregation
- People who are inactive members of our congregation
- People who are struggling with their faith in God
How does Stephen Ministry work ...
A Stephen Ministry training program prepares interested men and women to become Stephen Ministers, equipping them to care for the many needs in our congregation.
Their 50 hours of training includes topics such as:
- Feelings
- Listening
- Assertiveness training
- Confidentiality
- crisis theory and intervention
- telecare
- use of prayer and Bible
- being professional
- the "small step" approach
- other specialized "needs" topics on grief, divorce, depression, older persons, stress, etc.
Stephen Ministers are commissioned by our congregation?
Following training, the Stephen Ministers are commissioned by our congregation into active, caring ministries.
People in need of support are matched by the Stephen Leader through contact with the pastor.
The Stephen Ministers work under the supervision of our pastor and Stephen Leader with continual consultation and receive on-going education in the helping ministry.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained
Stephen Ministry is ...
- A lay, caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need.
- An on going helping relationship; people who need help, get help.
- A meaningful way for our congregation to more fully use our talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.
A Stephen Minister is ...
- A caring Christian – desiring to offer his/her support to others in time of need
- A sharing Christian – bringing who he/she is to each helping relationship, as a partner in another's life experiences.
- A trained Christian – having developed his/her helping skills through intensive course work.
- A dedicated Christian – commissioned by our congregation to confidential, in-depth caring.
A Stephen Minister is not ...
- A professional counselor or psychologist.
- A social worker providing lots of physical services
- An expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc.
- A brief, superficial visitor, "touching base" with people now and then.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained
Who do I call ...
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or know someone who is, or if you would like to learn more about the program, contact the church office (867-2113) and ask for Rev. Burnside, or the phone number of Julia Connor (Stephen Leader/Referrals Coordinator).
|
|
|
|
