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We are a Stephen Ministry congregation
In Stephen Ministry congregations, lay
caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide a one-on-one
Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated,
divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing life's
challenges. They help pastors and congregations provide quality care
for people in need.
The name Stephen comes from St.
Stephen, who was the first layperson commissioned by the Apostles to
provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6).
Stephen Ministers are not counselors.
They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and
to care -- not to counsel or advise. Stephen Ministry is a
supervised ministry. Stephen Ministers engage in twice-monthly
supervision to ensure that they are providing the best quality Christian
care for their care receivers. It is a confidential ministry.
What a care receiver tells a Stephen Minister remains confidential.
Stephen Ministers are assigned only to care receivers who agree to receive
the care of a Stephen Minister.
The logo Stephen Ministry congregations use
consists of a cross and circle, together with a broken person and a whole
person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the
brokenness in our lives as a result of our sin. The whole person
stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Jesus that
we again are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we
receive through Christ and God's unending love for us.
Pastor
Douglas Zipperer believes everyone should take
the Stephen Ministry training.
It teaches people the skill of listening and caring for others.
For more detailed information about the
Stephen Ministry, click here.
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