Is God calling you to become a Stephen Minister?

Starting the third Monday in September (Sept 16, 2013), our Stephen Ministry will be training men and women in the 2013-2014 training class of Stephen Ministers. The classes will conclude in early spring. They are held on Mondays from 7:00-9:30 pm.

Two recently-commissioned Stephen Ministers share the following comments:

By participating in the Stephen Ministry training class, I find I am able to use my gift of “reaching out” to others. Through the training, I found out what it is like to be a good listener and a compassionate care giver in many situations.

I very much enjoyed my experience in the Stephen Ministy training classes in how to give Christian care to those in need. The training sessions were much more in-depth than I had expected and emphasized that I totally need to trust God. I believe I have acquired some new and practical skills to apply not only with a care receiver, but also in my day-to-day relationships. The instructors answered questions with knowledge and a great deal of insight. After going through training, I feel a very special bond with my classmates and instructors.

We are all excited and eager to encourage others to have this wonderful opportunity. Please call Cathy Stoutenburgh for information and an application.

You can click here to find out more details.

What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are 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 come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds. Stephen Ministers are caring and sharing Christians who desire to offer their help and support to others in a time of need. They have developed their helping skills through intensive coursework. Stephen Ministers are dedicated Christians, commissioned by our church to confidential, in-depth caring.

Who can receive help from a Stephen Minister?

Anyone who could benefit from a one-on-one, Christ-centered, confidential, listening, caring ministry. It is open to everyone—to you, your relative, friend or neighbor, your co-worker or barber—to anyone who is going through a difficult time. Having someone who will spend time with you each week—caring, listening and sharing God’s love—can be helpful in getting through the hurt, confusion, stress or loneliness that mark some times in our lives.

Stephen Ministry is unique in that it is a “one on one,” confidential relationship that lasts as long as it is helpful to the care receiver. Some relationships are brief and some last for months and even for years. There is no sense of hurry or of impatience; rather, there is the confident assurance that God is at work. In His time, the care receiver will be strengthened and able. When that happens, the formal relationship—with its promise of weekly visits—is concluded. However, the friendship that has grown precious between the care giver and the care receiver can last forever.

To request a Stephen Minister for yourself or if someone you know could benefit from a Stephen Minister, please contact Linda Elliott, Craig Gustafson, or Pastor Buck.