Stephen Ministry is grounded in “loving one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) and “caring one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Through one-to-one personal, caring, confidential relationships, those who are hurting receive the love, care and attention they need to support them in their time of difficulty and turmoil.
We all go through troubling times. We may be experiencing bereavement, divorce or separation, hospitalization, a job crisis, a terminal illness, disability or homebound, loneliness, a relocation, the birth of a child, an empty nest, the transition into retirement, new members of our congregation or a spiritual crisis.
We may also be a “quiet sufferer” who encounters smaller losses, confusions, stresses, or problems that come up in our daily lives. Family members or caretakers of a person who is struggling may go unnoticed as well. All of us can use support of one kind or another in our everyday lives.
A Stephen Minister is…
- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
- A caring Christian who really listens;
- A lay person who has received 50 hours of specialized training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
- A caregiver while God is the Curegiver.
A Stephen Minister is not…..
- A counselor or therapist
- A social worker
- A problem solver
Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your journey to wholeness. More information may be found by contacting the church office at 717-755-6222.
