Sidney Lutheran Brethren Church

 Why do we have a Stephen Ministry?

• To expand Pastoral Care
• We are ALL called to Care
• Putting Spiritual Gifts to use
• Reaching out with Christ’s Love
• The are many Needs and Hurting people
• This fulfills the Mission of our Church

 What is a Stephen Minister?

 A Stephen Minister is a person from the church congregation who is trained to listen, care, encourage, pray and walk alongside you during difficult times. 

 What areas are Stephen Ministers trained in?

•  Listening skills
• Dealing with feelings
• Distinctive Christian care-giving
• Process-oriented care-giving
• Providing spiritual care
• Christian assertiveness
• Maintaining boundaries
• Crisis theory & practice
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Participating in supervision while care-giving
• How to use Mental Health Professionals & Other Resources
• Ministering to grieving persons
• Ministering to the dying, and their family
• Caring for people before, during & after hospitalization
• Caring when childbirth turns into crisis
• Ministering to those experiencing separation or divorce
• Helping suicidal persons or those experiencing depression get appropriate care
• Approximately 30 hours of in-class training will take place to cover the areas listed above.

 Who will receive care from Stephen Ministers?

 People who experience:

• Loss of loved one
• Hospitalization
• Divorce or separation
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Unemployment or job crisis
• Spiritual Crises
• A terminal illness
• Incarceration
• Aging
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• A chronic illness
• Relocation
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• And many more …

 Is Stephen Ministries Confidential?

 Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.  The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

 Who are Stephen Ministers?

 They are not:

• A counselor or therapist
• A problem solver
• A casual visitor

They are:

• Children of God who have the gifts for care-giving
• Trained to provide emotional and spiritual care
• People who faithfully meet with a care-receiver 1-2 hrs/week.
• Listeners, supporters, encouragers and people of prayer

What do I do if I want to learn more or would like care from a Stephen Minister?

Please Email Cheryl Peterson or drop her a phone call at the Church Office (406-433-2209).  You can also learn more about Stephen Ministries at Stephenministries.org