Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one ministry for someone who is hurting. It is quiet, confidential, compassionate, and provides a listening witness to the caring presence of Christ and Christ’s community.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are lay members of Faith Church who receive special training to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are facing a crisis or going through tough times. Some examples of difficult situations are grief, loneliness, divorce, serious illness, disability, job loss, and supporting family members with life challenges. The care you receive is confidential and free.
How are Stephen Ministers assigned?
A Stephen Minister is assigned to a care receiver and meets with that care receiver for about an hour a week. Men are matched with male Stephen Ministers and women with female Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Ministers don’t try to solve problems: rather they listen, care, pray, and help the care receivers find their paths to healing and wholeness. This caring relationship will last for as long as the care receiver needs it.
How often do Stephen Ministers meet?
Stephen Ministers also meet twice per month for supervision, support, and continuing education. This is done in an environment of complete confidentiality. The names of Care Receivers are never mentioned. Stephen Ministers make a two-year commitment to the program.
How do I request a Stephen Minister for myself or another person?
To explore more about how a Stephen Minister might provide care for you or another person, you can contact the Care Coordinator, Linda West at stephenministry@faithec.org. You also can contact one of the Clergy or a Stephen Leader. If you are requesting a Stephen Minister for another person, be sure to secure that person’s permission first.
Jesus said: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34b