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