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Congregational Care
 Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers are members of this congregation, gifted in compassionate caring, who have been trained and prepared to walk with others in their time of need.

They are not counselors or psychologists, but they are Christian caregivers uniquely equipped to support others at particularly difficult moments in life.

A Stephen Minister IS

  • a child of God who walks beside a hurting person and invites him to heal and cure,
  • a caregiver who meets regularly with this person and really listens while maintaining confidentiality, and
  • a lay minister who has received and continues to undergo special training on how to provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is NOT

  • a counselor or therapist,
  • a problem solver, or
  • a casual visitor.

The Stephen Ministry provides help for a wide spectrum of hurts such as those who are:

  • Hospitalized
  • Terminally ill
  • Disabled
  • Homebound
  • Lonely
  • Expecting a baby
  • In a job crisis
  • A recent arrival in the area
  • Going through a divorce
  • Experiencing a spiritual crisis

When the fifty hours of training is completed, study does not stop. Stephen Ministers continue to study throughout their time of service. They receive an hour of continuing education at their twice-a-month supervision meetings. Some of the topics that have been covered in continuing education are post-hospitalization, nursing homes, alcoholism, AIDS, inactive members, and aging. As long as Stephen Ministers are actively serving, they are required to attend these meetings as they constantly strive to hone their care-giving talents.

If you are someone facing painful circumstances and would like to have a fellow brother or sister in Christ to spend time with one who will listen and love, then perhaps you should think about asking for a Stephen Minister.

You may do so by calling the church at 334-8937 or by filling out one of the forms found in the pew racks in the sanctuary. You may refer a friend or relative as well but only with his or her permission. If you wish to become a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office.

Contacting the Stephen Ministers

Members (or friends or relatives of a member) seeking help from a Stephen Minister should contact the church office at 334-8937.

Professional Counseling

The Life Education & Counseling Center of Southwest Florida provides individual, family, and group counseling to help improve the spiritual, mental, and emotional quality of lives in Lee County.  Counseling is provided at a reduced fee, depending on income.  The Center has two locations:  one on the campus of Covenant Presbyterian Church at 2439 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers (239-542-7375) and one at Faith Presbyterian Church at 4544 Coronado Parkway in Cape Coral (239-334-4277).

This interfaith counseling service provides support
and hope to all
of God’s people.

"The Lord is near to those
who are discouraged;
He saves those who
have lost all hope."
 Psalm 34:18

• • •

Grief Group

If you have ever experienced a loss and would like to join others working through grief, a group meets each Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Covenant House next to the church facility.  The group is led by Kathryn Cochran, licensed therapist. Please call the church office, 334-8937, for information.

 

Copyright 2003-2008 by Covenant Presbyterian Church
2439 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Phone: (239) 334-8937