Stephen Ministry:  a Ministry of Caring

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and your clothed me, I was sick and you  looked after me.”  Matthew 25:35-36

 

Our congregation is committed to providing care to those who need it.  One of the ways our congregation cares for others is through our trained Stephen Ministers who are vehicles for God to help those in need.  Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists; rather, they are caring Christian friends who are committed to providing care for others experiencing many different needs and who can offer a listening ear to help others through the tough times in life.    A Stephen Minister will not judge you or push you to get better; instead, your Stephen Minister will listen and care for you while you work through your feelings. 

 

The cornerstone of Stephen Ministry is confidentiality.  Care Receivers do not have to worry that others know they are connected with a Stephen Minister or what is discussed unless they tell others themselves. When you ask for help from a Stephen Minister, a Stephen Leader will contact you to talk more about Ministry and what it can mean to you.  If your needs can be best served by a Stephen Minister, you will be paired with someone who will support you through this tough time. Stephen Ministers are matched gender to gender with Care Receivers. 

 

 Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their ministry.  Stephen Ministers have dedicated themselves to working with others and to offer Christian support during those times a listener and supporter is needed.  Stephen Ministers have over 50 hours of training and supervision.  

 

Your Stephen Ministry Leaders, Pastor Pat Hartsock and Pat Wayne, are available to you and can speak in more detail about what a relationship with a Stephen Minister can mean to you or someone you know.