STEPHEN MINISTRY AT SAINT PAUL'S
In May 2004, Saint Paul's initiated a Stephen Ministry for our parish and community. This page is designed to give you some basic information about this program and how it may benefit you or someone you know.
What
is Stephen Ministry?
What is a Stephen Minister?
How does the
Stephen Ministry referral process work?
When is a Stephen Minister needed?
How
can I find our more about Saint Paul's Stephen Ministry program?
How can I
support the Stephen Ministry at Saint Paul's?
Where
can I learn about the national Stephen Ministries organization?
Stephen Ministry is an
interdenominational, structured, Christian care-giving ministry.
Through one-on-one caring relationships with specially trained church
members, those who are hurting can receive the love and care they need to
support them in times of crisis. Stephen
Ministry is named after Saint Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early
church. These deacons were commissioned by the apostles to care for believers in need (see Acts
6:1-6).
Stephen Ministers are specially trained men and women of our congregation who offer one-on-one care to those suffering personal crisis or transition. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds. They are caring and sharing Christian friends who desire to walk with you and beside you when you are hurting, lonely, worried, confused, doubting, or lost. They will really listen, offer referrals if needed, and offer to pray with you and for you. Here's more information about Stephen Ministers and their work.
Stephen Ministers:
receive
50 hours of initial training in biblically-based caring ministry skills and
concepts.
commit
to serve for at least two years.
are
commissioned by our congregation as Stephen Ministers after completing their
initial training.
receive continuing education and skill-building throughout their years of service;.
are supported, guided, and supervised by our trained Stephen Leaders.
express
Christ's love through their service to others.
visit those in need regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care.
engage in twice-monthly supervision to ensure that they are providing the best quality Christian care for their care receivers.
do
not make "cold calls." They are assigned only to individuals
who agree to receive the care of a Stephen Minister after consultation with
one of our Stephen Leaders.
are
absolutely committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring
relationship. Even in supervision, the names of those receiving care
and specific details are never discussed.
Please be sure to note that Stephen Ministers are not:
professional counselors, therapists, or psychologists.
experts in law, finance, or medicine.
problem
solvers.
equipped
to provide physical services such as baby-sitting or meals.
casual
visitors.
HOW DOES THE STEPHEN MINISTRY
REFERRAL
PROCESS WORK?
Our Stephen Leaders are Sharon
Garrison and Pat Vendetti. Sharon and Pat,
along with Pastor Zieroth,
received special training in the
administration of the Stephen Ministry program. Our Stephen Leaders,
under the oversight of our pastors, supervise and train the
Stephen Ministers at Saint Paul's. Upon learning that
someone is in need of Christian care through Stephen Ministry,
one of our Stephen Leaders will
discuss the details with the individual. Upon receiving his or her permission, the
Stephen Leaders will meet with one another for prayer and consultation. If
warranted, they will then assign a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis
with the person.
WHEN
IS A STEPHEN MINISTER NEEDED?
There
are times in life when each one of us needs the care of a Christian friend.
A Stephen Minister can be that friend in your time of need.
These needs include (but are not limited to) when you or someone close to
you is:
hospitalized,
seriously ill, undergoing treatment, or recovering.
providing
care for a family member.
grieving the loss of a loved one.
in
a job crisis.
new
to the community.
in
a spiritual crisis.
facing
life transitions.
experiencing
separation, divorce, or estrangement.
preparing
for childbirth or adoption.
facing anxiety or depression.
homebound
or lonely.
looking
for a caring, Christian friend.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT
SAINT PAUL'S STEPHEN MINISTRY PROGRAM?
If you have any questions about our Stephen Ministry program or if you feel that you or someone you know might need the service of a Stephen Minister, please call the church office at 410-592-8100 and ask to speak with one of our pastors or Stephen Leaders. You can also send a confidential e-mail by clicking here.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE STEPHEN MINISTRY AT SAINT PAUL'S?
There are several ways you can support our congregation's Stephen Ministry. Here are some suggestions:
WHERE CAN I LEARN ABOUT THE NATIONAL STEPHEN MINISTRIES ORGANIZATION?
Stephen Ministries of Saint Louis is a not-for-profit, trans-denominational, religious and educational organization founded in 1975 by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist. You can learn a lot more about this organization by visiting their web site. Simply click on the logo below.
