Christ Caring for People Through People
As Christians, God calls us to care for and nurture one another. Paul says in Romans 12:15, Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. There are times in each of our lives when the loving care and support of a fellow Christian is certainly a blessing - and perhaps even a necessity.
Our church is dedicated to supporting the spiritual lives and enriching the spiritual well-being of our community - you and me. Not only are our ministers and church staff committed to our spiritual care and support in difficult times, our congregation has lay persons called Stephen Ministers who have been trained and commissioned to provide Christian care for others.
What is Stephen Ministry ...
A ministry named after St. Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the community’s needs. A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need. A helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability and confidentiality. The duration of the relationship depends upon the need.
Who is a Stephen Minister ...
A caring Christian. Offering support to another in a time of need. A caring Christian, sharing the life experiences and burdens of another. A trained Christian, having developed skills through training ongoing education and supervision. A dedicated Christian commissioned by our congregation for in-depth confidential caring.
About Confidentiality ...
The rule is: "All interactions concerning the persons being ministered to are, and must remain, confidential."
Some of the Needs Addressed ...
Grieving the loss of a loved one Feeling depressed Homebound Experiencing loneliness Separation or divorce Terminal Illness |
Pregnancy Childbirth Infertility Loss of job Career change Hospitalization |
STEPHEN MINISTRY RECOGNIZES THE BROKENNESS IN ALL OF US…AND HELPS TO BRING CHRIST’S HEALING TO US…THROUGH EACH OTHER
Help carry one another’s burden, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
