Stephen Ministry
Christ Caring for People through People
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
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Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.
We all experience challenges in life – times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. God does not intend for you to struggle alone.
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When can Stephen Ministry help you?
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Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care you need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:
- Unemployment or a job crisis
- Hospitalization or recovering from
- Coping with a terminal illness or caring for
- Hospitalization
- A family member with a terminal illness
- Divorce or separation
- Dealing with the crisis of aging
- Lonely or discouraged
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- Experiencing a spiritual crisis
- Dealing with a chronic illness
- Moving or relocating
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- Facing a life transition
- And many more…
For people facing countless other crises or life challenges and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend…our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a difficult time.
Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your journey to wholeness.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is…
- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
- A caring Christian who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages;
- A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
- A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
- A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say –and even your identity – confidential; and
- Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.
A Stephen Minister is NOT…
- A counselor or therapist;
- A problem-solver;
- Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
- A casual visitor.
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The Caregiver’s Compass is a common element in every module of the Stephen Ministry Training. The symbol for Jesus Christ at the center of the compass reminds Stephen Ministers that Jesus is the source and power for their caring ministry.
Stephen Ministers use the four points and the center of the compass to guide their caring ministry and chart their continuing growth as caregivers who are compassionate, full of faith, skilled, trustworthy, and Christ-centered.
Stephen Ministers are caregivers…God is the curegiver!
Benediction
May the Lord bless you (as you do his work in caregiving)
and keep you (when you are discouraged and weary).
May His face shine upon you (when no one else knows
the good works you do for others).
May He lift his countenance upon you and give you peace
(when you are sharing the burdens of your care receiver).
Based on Numbers 6:24-26, taken from Bright Ideas, Stephen Ministries St. Louis
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If you are a visitor to our web page and would like to begin a Stephen Ministry in your church, we encourage you to visit www.stephenministries.org so that you will have immediate access to the latest, most accurate information about enrolling in the Stephen Series.