Stephen Ministry is...
a program of our congregation that
equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one
care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and
circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
Stephen Ministers are committed
Christian people who...
-
express God's care through their
lives to others;
-
receive 50 hours
of initial training in important caring ministry skills and
concepts;
-
are commissioned as Stephen
Ministers after completing their initial training;
-
visit another person regularly
and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
-
participate in regular support
and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
-
are committed to preserving the
confidential nature of the caring relationship;
-
serve for at least two years;
-
receive continuing education
and skill building throughout their years of service.
"Bear
one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ"
Galatians 6:2
The Blessing of Serving as a
Stephen Minister
Since 1975, nearly 5000,000
Christian men and women from all walks of life have trained and
served as Stephen Ministers.
Most become Stephen Ministers as a way to serve
others-but quickly discover the amazing blessings God gives them in
return.
What is
the meaning of the Stephen Ministry logo?
The logo’s most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus, who is the
center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships.
The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how
we are all broken people, broken by our own sin and imperfections.
The whole person in front of the cross signifies
the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of the
cross of Jesus. It is only through Jesus and his life, death on the
cross, and resurrection that we, who are broken people, are made
whole.
The circle is a symbol of God’s eternal and
never-ending love for us. God’s love surrounds us, holds us, heals
us, with the cross of Jesus at the center of that love. For it was
Jesus, God’s Son, who allowed himself to be broken on the cross to
save us from our sin and give us the opportunity to be restored to
wholeness through him.
Please
call church office for more information
at
630-892-7081.