Stephen Ministry

	What is Stephen Ministry? What is a Stephen Minister? What does a Stephen Minister do? What if I or someone I know could benefit from the Stephen Ministry Program?

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

I John 4: 11-12

What is Stephen Ministry?

The Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who have...

• life events that are confusing or full of difficult decisions

• an illness or are hospitalized

• suffered a loss

• a job crisis

• become new members of the church

• a need related to being disabled or homebound 

• too many "blue" days

• loneliness or pain/hurt in their lives

• a period of stress awaiting test results

• problems that seem out of control

• a new baby or are expecting

• any family problem

• a spiritual crisis or are doubting God's presence

• any life-changing event

• a need for a caring Christian friend

• any other need where special care is required.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is . . .

• a child of God who walks beside a hurting person;

• a caring Christian friend who really listens;

• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctly Christian care;

• a sharing Christian bringing self as a partner in another's stressful life experience.

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

• a spiritual expert or religious fanatic;

• a problem-solver; and will not tell you what to do;

• a casual visitor.

What does a Stephen Minister do?

A Stephen Minister gives one-to-one, lay Christian care to people in our community.
One-to-one: Stephen Ministers meet privately with one care receiver of the same gender approximately once per week.
Lay: Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised lay volunteers, not professional counselors or therapists, pastors, or physicians.
Christian: Stephen Ministers are Christians who care in the name of Christ. They are willing to talk about spiritual issues but won't force them.
Care: Stephen Ministers care by listening, supporting and encouraging, praying, being dependable and
trustworthy, and maintaining confidentiality in their care-giving.
Duration: Depending upon the circumstances, care can be a matter of weeks or longer as needed. Closing will always take place, when the time is appropriate.
Guidance: For finding own answers and offering resources as needed.
Confidentiality: Stephen Ministers keep personal information confidential. Therefore, you can feel free to share with your Stephen Minister without worrying that everyone else will know about it.

What if I or someone I know could benefit from the Stephen Ministry Program?

If you know of someone who could use this care or have any questions about the Stephen Ministry Program, please call a referral coordinator.