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| Stephen Ministry |
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 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.
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or if you would like a Stephen Minister to meet with you, please call the church office at 645-9480. For additional information, visit the Stephen Ministry website at www.stephenministries.org. |
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