Stephen Ministry Care
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Stephen Ministry is a lay caring
ministry reaching out to those in need in witness to the love of Christ in our midst. |
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Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone
to care, to listen, and to share God's love with you can help you get through the
confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.
- 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, a change in marital status, serious
illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move . . .
. . . Might you, or a church friend benefit from having someone in your life who
will listen objectively and care deeply?
The Pastoral Care Coordinator would be happy to talk with you about assigning
a Stephen Minister to meet with you or a church member you know.
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Stephen Ministers
are called to be
CAREGIVERS
Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.
Galatians 6:2
(NIV)
God is the
CURE-GIVER
Come to me,
all who are weary and
are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
(NSRV)
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Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with
you on your journey to wholeness.
RECEIVING CARE when in need . . .
Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide
distinctively 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
- bereaved
- in a life transition
- in a job crisis
- experiencing a broken relationship
- new members of the church
- homebound
- lonely
- in a spiritual crisis
- looking for a caring, Christian friend
All inquiries and referrals are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
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.
Stephen Ministry Training
Stephen Ministry Training provides church members the opportunity to develop practical
skills for a one-on-one caring ministry. Using Christian Resources, skills are developed
in listening objectively, understanding feelings, honest communication, crisis theory
and intervention, as well as, how to encourage steps of growth and change. The class
format includes lecture, followed by discussion and application in small group settings.
Training and Service Requirements
- Completion of a 50-hour training program in the evenings held weekly from January
to May.
- A two-year commitment of service once the training program is satisfactorily
completed and you have been commissioned by the church.
- Meet weekly in a one-on-one helping relationship. (Usually for one hour at a
mutually agreeable time and place.)
- Attend bi-monthly supervisory meetings for continued education, support, and
supervision.
Stephen Ministry and You
RECEIVING CARE
For myself
For a family member
For a church member
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the compassionate
care of a Stephen Minister, please contact:
Kyle Roggenbuck 630-668-5147
Beth Stremel: 630-690-4198
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GIVING CARE
If you are interested in becoming equipped as a Christian caregiver
and would like more information on the Stephen Ministry Training Program, please
call:
Jeff Edwards: 630-690-7440
Henrieta Ribeiro: 630-221-1994
Bob Young: 630-668-6886
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All inquiries and referrals are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Stephen Ministry
Because we loved you, it was a joy
to us to give you not only the
Gospel of God but our very hearts,
so dear did you become to us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
(J. B. PHILLIPS)
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