Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministers are a special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need. It is a structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.
Stephen Ministers are lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the concern and care of Christ's community to people in need. They receive approximately 50 hours of training, based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of healing and psychological sciences before beginning their caregiving work.
Stephen Ministers are able to reach out to others who may be lonely, depressed, new in town, grieving, divorcing, hospitalized, convalescing or aging. They establish an on-going helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability and confidentiality.
Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists, experts in law, medicine or church doctrine, nor are they social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither are they superficial visitors who merely drop-in from time to time.
Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety
of related subjects.
If you have need of a Stephen Minister or are interested in becoming a Stephen
Minister, contact Gordon Foster or Bonnie Smiszek. |
