Stephen Ministry: Help, Hope, Healing
Are you going through a difficult time? A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a difficult time.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a program that trains and equips lay persons to provide confidential Christian one-on-one care to anyone in our community who is encountering difficulty in their life.
How does Stephen Ministry work?
A trained Stephen Minister is matched with a person experiencing a life crisis. The Stephen Minister meets with the Care Receiver to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The Stephen Minister provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.
What are some examples of problems that Stephen Ministers deal with?
Common reasons for a Stephen Ministry pairing include hospitalization, the birth of a new child, disability or terminal illness, illness or death of a loved one, divorce or separation, severe financial setback, difficulties associated with aging, family or domestic problems, isolation or loneliness.
Am I assured of confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that identity – and what is shared in a caring relationship – will remain private.
How do I get a Stephen Minister?
Contact any of our ministers, Stephen Leader Mary Winklejohn, mbwinkeljohn@gmail.com or call the church office (770-497-0233):
If you have an immediate pastoral care need, call 678-916-7147 any time day or night, and a pastor will return your call as soon as possible.
To read more about the Stephen Ministry international program, go to www.stephenministries.org
