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STEPHEN
MINISTRY UPDATE
www.stephenministries.org
It's
exciting that Stephen Ministry is being revived in our church. Ten
trained Stephen Ministers came together with Gordon Ellis & Ann
Plumley & all agreed to commit their efforts to reviving this
important, life-giving ministry that provides Christian friendship
& care-giving to members of our church family & community.
Our program will be coordinated by Cathy Jay, who attended S.M. Leader
training in Dallas in July. This intensive training plus her experience
as a psychotherapist & spiritual director will make her a terrific
coordinator. Cathy is very enthusiastic about caring ministries.
As
a Stephen Minister, I have enjoyed the privilege of someone trusting
me to walk with them through a time of loss or uncertainty. Both of
us were blessed by the experience.
….Jeff Hixson
Re-commissioning
| Care Receiver |
Becoming A Stephen
Minister
www.stephenministries.org
STEPHEN SERIES
a complete system of training and organizing lay persons for caring
ministry in and around their congregations.
Stephen Ministry in our
Congregation...
Stephen Ministry is a program of our
congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian
one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs
and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
Stephen Ministers are committed
Christian people who...
express God's care through their lives to
others;
receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry
skills and concepts;
are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial
training;
visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian
support and care;
participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance
of trained Stephen Leaders;
are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring
relationship;
serve for at least two years;
receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years
of service.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12
Meets The Need of People
There are times when each of us needs
the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister!
These needs include but are not limited to...
the hospitalized
the terminally ill and their families
people who move into or out of our community
those grieving a death or serious loss
the homebound and institutionalized
prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
those with a job crisis
the aging and elderly
those with disabilities and their families
those needing the support of a Christian friend
those facing life transitions
the separated or divorced
households experiencing birth or adoption
those in spiritual crisis
Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care
can be sure that their identity and what goes on in caring relationship
will remain private.
"Bear one another's burdens and
so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Multiplies Our Christian
Caregiving and Outreach
Our Stephen Ministers work together with
our pastor(s) to reach more people with Christian care than pastors
can reach by themselves.
People who receive care
from a Stephen Minister
receive quality Christian care,
deepen their relationship with their Lord,
grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,
come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact
with the pastor.
Stephen Ministry enhances
our outreach by...
creating a "caring ministry explosion"
where many instead of a few are offering God's love and care in intentional,
systematic ways.
enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing
community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
identifying our congregation to our community as a place where people's
needs are taken seriously.
"Encourage one another and build
one another up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
About the Leaders of Our
Congregation's Stephen Ministry...
Stephen Leaders are pastors, church staff,
and/or lay persons who have completed a seven-day Stephen Series Leader's
Training Course and are commissioned to lead Stephen Ministry of our
congregation.
Our congregation's Stephen
Leaders can ...
help you or someone you know receive
care from a Stephen Minister;
tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;
tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class;
answer other questions about our congregation's Stephen Ministry Program.
How You Can Support Our
Congregation's Stephen Ministry
Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen
Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen
Ministry of our congregation.
Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of
a Stephen Minister - be sure to get that person's permission first!
Tell others in our community about the availability of our congregation's
Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian
care.
Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.
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