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We Care While God Cures
What is
Stephen
Ministry
?
Stephen
Ministry
is a program that equips lay people to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those in our community and church who are experiencing a time of need, whatever it may be.
Stephen
Ministry
is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be certain that their identity and confidences will remain private.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
A Stephen Minister is a committed Christian who will visit with you regularly, offer Christian love and support, listen to you, and offer to pray with you. Each Minister has:
- received 50 hours of initial training in caring skills
- participated in regular support and supervision under trained Stephen Leaders
- made a commitment to maintain confidentiality
- agreed to serve for at least two years
- had continuing education and care giving experience
- been commissioned as a Stephen Minister by the church
Do I need a Stephen Minister?
Do any of the following statements describe you?
- Am I hurting?
- Have I recently suffered a loss?
- Do I doubt God's presence and love for me?
- Am I having difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
- Am I feeling lonely? Do I often wish I had someone to share my thoughts with?
- Do I feel like I have lost control of my life and my problems seem overwhelming at times?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may benefit from the care provided by a Stephen Minister. There are many testimonials written about the
Stephen
Ministry
. Here are two... (by permission)
'Before I met my Stephen Minister, I had lots of people around me but felt like the loneliest person in the world. Everyone told me what they thought I should do, but no one wanted to hear me. After I experienced care, I was able to get on with my life. I felt affirmed and supported because I was listened to, prayed for, taught, loved and nurtured.'
'I didn't know what to expect from my Stephen Minister, but he put me at ease. I had a friend I could trust and who really cared about me. My caregiver showed me how to work things out for myself and had the patience to let me do it.'
Whom do I call?
If you or someone you know are in need of a Stephen Minister, or if you would like to become part of this exciting ministry or just want to learn more, please contact Sara Rose (Sara_Rose@bellsouth.net, 704-651-2891).
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