Stephen Ministry

GIVING Care

when able…

A Stephen Minister is a caring Christian lay person, trained to walk with a person during a time of need. A Stephen Minister’s goal is to listen and understand with a Christ-grounded, objective, non-judgmental heart, giving the hurting person an open, yet confidential, environment in which to examine and wrestle with the problems.

Stephen Ministers are ever mindful that God alone is the source of healing. It is their hope that persons in need might be enabled to search for the presence of God’s grace and love in their lives and through that search to find encouragement, spiritual growth, and renewal.

A Stephen Minister is…

• A caring Christian who offers support to others in a time of need.
• A trained Christian who has received 50 hours of intensive coursework in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
• A dedicated Christian commissioned by our congregation for confidential, in-depth Christian caring.

A Stephen Minister is not…

• A counselor or therapist;
• A problem-solver;
• A casual visitor.

RECEIVING CARE

when in need…

Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay members to provide distinctly Christian care to those experiencing all kinds of difficulties in life – both in our congregation and our community. Grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another, it is based on the belief that caring for each other is an intended way of life for followers of Jesus Christ.

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of

individuals who are…

• Hospitalized
• Seriously ill or disabled
• Facing loss of any kind
• Bereaved
• In a life transition
• In a job crisis
• Homebound
• Lonely
• In a spiritual crisis
• New members of the church
• Looking for a caring, Christian friend
• Experiencing a broken relationship

All inquiries and referrals are strictly confidential.

Stephen Ministry Care

Everyone experiences difficult times. Having someone to care, listen and share God’s love can help.

• If life seems like more than you can handle alone right now
• If your health, your spirit, or your relationships are suffering
• If you are adjusting to a job transition, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of loved one, or a recent move

…Might you, a relative, or a friend benefit from having someone in your life who will listen objectively and care deeply?

Our Minister would be happy to talk with you about assigning a Stephen Minister to meet with you or someone you know.