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What Is Stephen Ministry?

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay­ people to provide  one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and everything they  discuss  with  a Stephen  Minister remain private.

A Stephen Minister  Is

  • A child of God who walks beside someone who is hurting.
  • A congregation member who is  carefully selected  to serve in this  role  because  of his or her care giving gifts.
  • A layperson with 50 hours  of training  in pro­viding high-quality, distinctively Christian care.
  • A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
  • Someone who meets faithfully each week with his or her care receiver for as long as there’s a need.

Stephen Ministers  Care for People Facing Tough Times

We all experience challenges in life-times when we could benefit  from  care and support. Stephen  Ministers can provide the  emotional and spiritual care we need when  faced with  a crisis or difficulty such as-

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or separation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual crisis
  • Unemployment or a job crisis
  • A terminal illness
  • Aging
  • Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
  • A chronic illness
  • Relocation
  • Recovery after an accident or disaster
  • Many other life challenges

Stephen Ministry Is Your Ministry

You play  an important role  in our  Stephen Ministry. Here’s what you can do:

  • Pray for God to bring hope  and healing  to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
  • Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t  expect  you to bear your burdens  alone.
  • Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
  • If you are a compassionate person and a good listener, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Leaders Are

Trained leaders in our congregation who support and direct our Stephen Ministry.

  • If you could benefit from the  care  of  a Stephen Minister  .. .
  • If you know someone who  might benefit from  the care of a Stephen Minister . ..
  • If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister …
  • If you have  any  other  questions about Stephen Ministry …

. . . contact Stephen Ministry Leader Kristine Nickel.

Stephen Ministry Multiplies Ministry

Pastors  will  always  be on the  front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.

Stephen  Ministry provides a thoroughly biblical solution-equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted laypeople receive training to support and extend  the care that  pastors continue to provide.

Stephen Ministers reach out with God’s love to who are hurting-congregation members alike.

  • Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care and support of a Stephen Minister?
  • Do you know someone else-perhaps a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative­ who could benefit from Stephen Ministry? (Feel free to pass along this brochure.)
  • Are you interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?

The Stephen Ministry logo symbolizes that we all are broken people-and that only Jesus can make us whole.

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