Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen’s Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are facing life challenges or difficulties.
“ Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” I Thessalonians 5:11
A Stephen Minister is…
· a child of God who walks beside a hurting person
· a caring Christian friend who really listens, prays, supports, and encourages
· a lay person who has received many hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
A Stephen Minister is NOT…
· a counselor or therapist
· a problem-solver
· a casual visitor
Why the Name Stephen?
Stephen was the name of the first lay person commissioned by the apostles in Acts 6:5 to provide caring ministry to those in need.
Who is involved?
Stephen Leaders, Rosie Hochstetler and Erma Edwards, have been trained to oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry Program. They are responsible to the Elder Council and will be working closely with, Pastor Bob Smith, who is part of the leadership team.
Pastors will always be the primary caregivers but Stephen Ministry multiplies ministry by allowing them to be equippers, enabling lay people to provide caring ministry as well.
Stephen Ministers are the care givers. They are members of our congregation, who will be trained this fall in topics such as listening, feelings, boundaries, assertiveness and using Christian resources in Caregiving. They maintain strict confidentiality as they relate to a care receiver.
Care receivers are the recipients of Stephen Minister’s care. They usually meet together weekly for about an hour for as long as the relationship is beneficial. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals facing tough times such as…
· hospitalization
· bereavement
· job crisis
· new members of the church
· disabilities
· spiritual crisis
· relocation
· divorce or separation
· discouragement
· aging
· birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
· chronic or terminal illness
· recovery after an accident or disaster
For more information, contact either:
Rosie Hochstetler
319-358 - 2520
hifive@mchsi.com
or
Erma Edwards
319-656-5210
ermame@juno.com
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