 Hurting?
Struggling?
Discouraged?
Stressed?
Confused?
Grieving?
Broken?
STEPHEN MINISTERS ARE READY TO CARE!
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people
to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals
in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties
in their lives.
We all experience challenges in life, times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as
· Loss of a loved one
· Hospitalization
· Divorce or separation
· Loneliness or discouragement
· Spiritual crises
· Unemployment or job crisis
· A terminal illness
· Incarceration
· Aging
· Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
· A chronic illness
· Relocation
· Recovery after an accident or disaster
· And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
“Love one another, as I have loved you.” John 13:34
A Stephen Minister Is...
· A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
· A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who
was carefully selected to serve in this role.
· A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
· A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays,
supports, and encourages.
· Someone who will “be there” for his or
her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s
a need.
“Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministry is Your Ministry
You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:
· Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
· Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
· Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
· If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution: equipping God's people for ministry. Gifted laypeople are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting, both congregation members and nonmembers alike.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Ephesians 4:12a
Emmaus Church has had over 40 people trained in this wonderful
ministry since its first class in 1992 which was taught by Lois
Lindbloom. Currently, there are over two dozen Stephen Ministers who
regularly meet with their care receivers.
On May 15, 2011, the latest class of Stephen ministers was
commissioned:
Carlyle Aldrich
"I’m hoping that I can do something to help
other people, from some of the experiences
I’ve had during my lifetime. A lot of people
have done a lot for me, and I’m just looking
to repay some of it.
Karen Anway
“Even though I have always been in the
Church, my relationship with the Lord
became a living gift when I gave my life to
Jesus 25 years ago. I thank the Lord daily,
hourly, and by the minute for His love,
guidance and promises in this beautiful
and terrifying world. I try to live in both
a spontaneous and thoughtful manner in order to
know the
Lord better, and understand what He would like
me to do. I am
thrilled to be at Emmaus, and to be a new
Stephen Minister.”
Jay Bridlley
“I am looking forward to serving the
Emmaus family as a Stephen Minister. With
the training I’ve had, my life experiences,
and most importantly, the guidance of God,
I hope to be of help to someone on their journey through life.”
Shari Bridley
“I am honored and look forward
to the opportunity to serve and
give back to the Emmaus family
and the community.”
Elin Odegaard
“I have been volunteering with the youth
here at Emmaus for several years and I
am excited to bring the skills of Stephen
Ministry into that role. I am also looking
forward to reaching out and lending
support to others who may need some
encouragement.”
Pat Rogne
“It will be a pleasure to be able to walk
alongside someone – to listen to, support,
encourage and pray for them. The Stephen
Ministry program provided tools to help me
become better qualified to be that person.
And on top of all that, I got a know a
wonderful group of people!”
Jerome Sellars
“I’m prepared to be an ambassador for
the Church and the community and to
be able to help people in their times of
trouble or crisis.”
Kelsey Solum
“I am blessed to be surrounded by such a
loving community – what a gift! – and
glad to serve this community through the
Stephen Ministry Program.”
Not pictured: Wayne Peterson | 
