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.
Hear Stephen Leader Kathi Burt describe PHPC’s Stephen Ministry with Pastor Jennie
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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