Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is an extension of pastoral care. It is a religious and educational system of training and organizing lay persons for caring ministry. It is one-to-one ministry by trained, caring lay members of this congregation. It was named for Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church who was commissioned by the disciples to care for the needs of the community.
What does a Stephen Minister Do?
All of us face transitions and times in our lives when we would like to have a caring, listening ear. Sometimes our friends get tired of hearing our concerns. Our Stephen Ministers are trained to be compassionate, confidential listeners to persons experiencing special needs. Often a person assumes that his or her concern is not significant enough; please be assured that it is to us.
Some of the needs addressed by our Stephen Ministers include the following:
- People who are hospitalized
- People who are depressed
- People who are separated or in the process of divorce
- People who are shut-in
- People experiencing the birth of a child
- People who are dying, as well as families of the terminally ill
- People attempting to cope with the death of a loved one
- People experiencing loss of a job or financial setbacks
- People and families of those who are in legal trouble
- People who are new to our church
- People who are inactive members of our church
- People who are struggling with their faith in God
People hurt and we find out in one of many ways--a pastor is contacted, a church member calls, a pew card drops in the collection plate, a church staff person hears of a need, or a Stephen Minister just sees a need--and we respond. At that point a referral is made to a Stephen Minister and confidential care can begin by a phone call or a personal visit. It is then that trust is built and people can begin to sort things out together as love heals and wholeness is restored.
One on One Care
This program of Christian care-giving is designed for one-on-one care to a recipient on a weekly basis. To receive a confidential minister, call the church office at 412-835-6630. You will be paired with a Stephen Minister for the duration of your needs by a Stephen Minister leader. Stephen Ministers abide by the rule that "All transactions, all observations or impressions, and all records made concerning the person are and will remain confidential."
|
