What is Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a group of lay people who have received over 65 hours of training in how to provide distinctly Christian care. It emphasizes God as the cure giver, with the Stephen Minister as caregiver.
What is its purpose?
There are times when we all need extra comfort and support. Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, listen, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. As Christians we are called to reach out – to be a friend in need. Stephen Ministers are trained to be totally confidential, sensitive, non-judgemental listeners.
If I am interested, how do I get started?
If you are in need of care, or are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office at 817-483-1631 or aslcstephenmin@gmail.com, speak with a Pastor or a Stephen leader. They will discuss the program with you in more detail.
Who may need a Stephen Minister?
People who are dealing with:
- Illness
- Family Frustrations and Challenges
- Chronic illness, disability.
- Loss of loved one
- Separation or divorce
- Being shut-in
- Newborn, adoption
- Terminal illness
- A loss of self-esteem
- Loss of job
- Financial setbacks
- Struggling with faith in God
- Aging
- Facing changes in their lives
- And other concerns
How would a Stephen Minister work with me?
Once you have expressed an interest in considering the help of a Stephen Minister, your request will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and an appropriate person is assigned to make contact. The Stephen Minister will call and arrange a convenient time to meet, generally within the first week. After the first meeting you will usually meet once a week for about an hour each time. It will be an evolving, trust-building process in which you, the care receiver and caregiver build a relationship filled with the healing power of Christ.
Me, a Stephen Minister?
As All Saints grows, so does our need for Stephen Ministers. If you feel called to care for others, have a nurturing nature and you are a good listener, contact one of our Stephen Leaders to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister. It takes commitment, a willingness to learn new skills and dedication. There are 65 hours of classroom training in which you will learn the necessary skills to provide distinctly Christian care giving. Being a Stephen Minister is a rewarding way to serve God.