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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. |
Stephen
Ministry Care
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, change in marital status, a 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:
Liz Walker: 630-668-5147 x 13
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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