Ministry

Stephen Ministry is... a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances.

To reach a Stephen Minister, dial (440) 933-3241. You can also leave a confidential message for the Rev. Brill or Parish Nurse Cheryl Updegraff by calling the care line at (440) 930-4766.

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

• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

• 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.

"Put on then as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to...

• the hospitalized and homebound

• the terminally ill and their families

• those grieving a death or serious loss

• those with a job crisis

• the aging and elderly those with disabilities and their families

• those needing the support of a Christian friend

• those facing life transitions

• the separated or divorced

• households experiencing birth or adoption

• those in spiritual crisis

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.

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

Multiplies Our Christian Caregiving and Outreach

Our Stephen Ministers support our pastor(s) in their strive to provide quality Christian care. They work together to reach as many people as possible.

People who receive care from a Stephen Minister

• deepen their relationship with God, grow in their desire to participate in Christian community, and come to value ministry

  from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor. Stephen Ministry enhances our outreach by creating a "caring ministry explosion" where many instead of a few are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways, enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.

• Stephen Ministry identifies our congregation to our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.

"Encourage one another and build one another up."
1 Thessalonians 5.11