Stephen Ministry...

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 Christians who...

• express God's care for others through their lives;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in 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 regularly in groups for support and supervision;
• 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.

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry...

Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

How does someone receive the help of a Stephen Minister?

• Someone either you, a relative, or a friend is hurting and in need of Christian care.
• One of our Stephen Leaders, (Rev. Cherie Parker, Lynn lhlenburg or Susan Rittenhouse), learn about this need for care from the person directly, from a staff person, or from a friend; always with the person's permission.
• The Stephen Leader contacts the person to talk about Stephen Ministry. With permission, the Stephen Leader assigns a Stephen Minister to meet regularly with this person.
   

If You Would Like a
Stephen Minister...

contact Rev. Cherie Parker, Susan Rittenhouse, or Lynn Ihlenburg, trained Stephen Leaders. You may also contact one of our pastors. Rev. Cherie Parker will then discuss this ministry with you and, if you decide you would like a Stephen Minister, one will be assigned to you and will contact you promptly. The Stephen Minister assigned to you will be of your gender, and the two of you will decide the best schedule for your meeting together. This Stephen Minister will be there for you as long as needed, whether for a month or for a year.

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person to help us through a difficult phase in life. A Stephen Minister might help those who are experiencing:

• hospitalization
• terminal illness
• grief over a death or serious loss
• being homebound or institutionalized
• a job crisis
• challenges due to aging
• disabilities
• challenging life transitions
• separation or divorce
• birth or adoption of a child
• spiritual crisis