Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a caring ministry provided by pastors and lay persons trained to provide effective, distinctively Christian care to others in the congregation and community. In Stephen Ministry, lay caregivers, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-on-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing life crisis or life challenges. Stephen Ministers help pastors and others in the congregation, providing quality caring ministry for as long as it is needed.
Who are Stephen Leaders?
Stephen Leaders are Stephen Ministers who have completed an intensive week-long Leader Training Course. They are responsible for educating the congregation about Stephen Ministry, selecting and training Stephen Ministers, interviewing and referring care receivers to the Stephen Ministers, and providing continuing education and supervision to Stephen Ministers.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are lay persons who have been called by the Lord to provide Christ-like care to members of PBC and the community. Each is gifted with emotional stability, spirituality, a caring attitude and manner, dependability, and trustworthiness. Each Stephen Minister has completed 50 hours of training in the various areas mentioned above. The Stephen Minister serves for a two-year period of time and may request to serve another two years. With a Stephen Minister, people no longer have to face crises and difficulties alone. Instead, they have a Christian friend who will walk alongside them for as long as necessary and provide the emotional support and spiritual care they need. Stephen Ministers listen, pray, encourage, care, visit faithfully, and bring Christ's love and care to the care receiver.
Who Needs a Stephen Minister?
The following is just a sample of those who might be in need of a Stephen Minister:
- People who are hospitalized
- The grieving
- Those suffering from loneliness or depression
- The divorced or separated
- Those in spiritual crisis
- New parents or single parents
- Those dealing with moving and the losses and challenges of relocating
- Unemployed persons
- People who are homebound
- Parents grappling with loss when children leave home
- Those convalescing or rehabilitating
When are Stephen Ministers Inappropriate?
When a trained counselor is needed. Stephen Ministers are not counselors.
When the needs of the care receiver are greater than the Stephen Minister's capabilities. For example, suicidal or homicidal tendencies, mental illness, or any other situation where professional services are required.
When there's evidence of manipulative behavior.
How Do I request a Stephen Minister?
Anyone may request a Stephen Minister by calling Bob or Vicki Moore at (540) 338-0918; or Pastor Janney at (540) 338-6400. An appointment will be made so that the Referrals Coordinator or the Pastor can interview the potential care receiver and determine whether or not a Stephen Minister is appropriate.
How do I become a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are selected on the basis of need in the congregation and local community. If you believe that you are being called to care for God's people and are willing to be trained to ensure you have the skills necessary to be successful as a Stephen Minister, call Bob Moore at (540) 338-0918.
