Congregational Care
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.
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
- Disable
- Homebound
- Lonely
- Expecting a baby
- In a job crisis
- A recent arrival in the area
- Going through a divorce
- Experiencing a spiritual crisis
Stephen Ministers go through extensive training. 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, 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 and ask for the pastor or a Stephen Ministry Leader. 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.
