What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another.
Through one-on-one confidential caring relationships, those who are hurting
receive the love and care they need.
"Love
one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another"
–
John 13:34 |
The mission of Stephen Ministry is to help congregations
equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical
ministry in today's world.
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Are you facing difficult life circumstances that are making you feel
vulnerable and overwhelmed? |
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Are your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering? |
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Are you adjusting to a new job, unemployment, a change in marital status,
a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move? |
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Is your spiritual welfare being tested? |
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Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares? |
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.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is…
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A child of God who walks beside a hurting person |
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A caring Christian friend and supporter who really listens |
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A layperson who has received 50 hours of training, as well
as ongoing continuing education on how to provide distinctively
Christian care |
Stephen Ministers are trained to recognize when a care receiver’s
needs go beyond the care a Stephen Minister can provide, and after
discussions with the care receiver, will refer him/her for additional
professional support.
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MORE ABOUT STEPHEN MINISTRY… |
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The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen who was the first
layperson commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those
in need (Acts 6).
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A Stephen Minister is NOT…
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A counselor or therapist |
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A problem-solver |
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A casual visitor |
A Stephen Minister’s role is to listen and care, not counsel
and advise. A Stephen Minister is assigned to only one person at a
time and typically meets with the care receiver for an average of one
hour each week. Stephen Ministers also meet twice monthly for peer
supervision and continuing education to ensure that they are providing
the best quality Christian care for their care receivers.
Stephen Ministry Helps Meet the Needs of Individuals Facing
Life-Changing Circumstances…
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The hospitalized |
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The terminally ill and their families |
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People who move into or out of our community |
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Those grieving a death or serious loss |
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Those with a job crisis |
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Those facing marital/relationship struggles |
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Those experiencing birth, adoption, or “empty nest” syndrome |
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Those providing care to loved ones |
“Bear
one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.”
–
Galatians 6:2 |
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. What a care receiver tells
a Stephen Minister remains confidential. Even in supervision, the names of
care receivers and specific details are never discussed.
How Does the Referral Process Work?
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1. |
A person – you, a relative, or a friend – is hurting
and in need of care. |
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2. |
The Stephen Ministry referrals coordinator learns about this
need for care – from a pastor, the person, or a friend (always
with the person’s permission). |
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3. |
The referrals coordinator meets with the person to talk about
the Stephen Ministry process. |
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4. |
With the person’s permission, the referrals coordinator
assigns a Stephen Minister to meet regularly with the person |
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5. |
The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctively Christian
care for the person while maintaining strict confidentiality. |
Stephen Ministers do not make cold calls; they are assigned
only to care receivers who agree to receive the care of a Stephen Minister.
Stephen
Ministers are called to be CAREgivers; God is the CUREgiver:
“Cast your burdens on the Lord, and he will sustain
you.”
– Psalm 55:22
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
–
Matthew 11:28 |
For more information, look for our Stephen Ministers wearing
blue name tags or contact Kathy Heyman, Referrals Coordinator at 703-690-3401.
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