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Stephen Ministry is a program that equips Lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care for those 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
Stephen Ministry meets the diverse needs of people. Stephen Minister provide support to individuals (and their families) who may be dealing with any of the following issues (and more):
- hospitalization
- terminal illness
- new or departing residents
- grieving a death or serious loss
- homebound and institutionalized
- prison term or release
- job crisis
- aging/elderly
- living with disabilities
- life transitions
- separation/divorce
- birth or adoption
- spiritual crisis
Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry; your concerns are held in respectful privacy. If you or someone you know need a Stephen Minister, please call Pastor Grant at 410-465-2977.
Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
How You Can Support Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry
- Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
- Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
- Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister – be sure to get that person’s permission first!
- Tell others in our community about the availability of our congregation’s Stephen
Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
- Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
- Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
- Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.
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First Lutheran Stephen Leader Coordinators
Pr. Gigie Sijera-Grant
Christa Nuss
Encourage one another and build one another up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Web site link: www.stephenministries.org
E-mail: sm@firstlutheranec.org |
