An essential part of Stephen Ministry is continuing education for the Stephen Ministers.
Currently our ministers have been reading the book by David Brooks called How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. This book was highly recommended for our consideration by the Stephen Ministry program at First Presbyterian Church. The book is a practical guide to improving human connection by learning to see others deeply and be seen in return, addressing feelings of invisibility in a fragmented society.
At the last Stephen Ministry meeting we discussed the chapter on despair and depression. Depression effects one in ten Americans and has been described as “an unimaginable abyss, it is a state of consciousness that distorts perceptions of time, space and self.” In the chapter the author spoke of the loss of a lifelong friend who committed suicide because of the pain and torment of depression.
Mentioned in the chapter is a sermon delivered at the National Cathedral.
The sermon can be found by searching online for Michael Gerson Washington National Cathedral. The presenter of the sermon speaks of his own battles with depression. He concludes his sermon by saying “Many, understandably, pray for a strength they do not possess. But God’s promise is somewhat different: That even when strength fails, there is perseverance. And even when perseverance fails, there is hope. And even when hope fails, there is love. And love never fails.
David brooks concluded that “you don’t have to try to coax someone out of depression. It’s enough that you have some understanding of what they are enduring. It’s enough to create an atmosphere in which they can share their experience. It’s enough to offer them the comfort of being seen.”
Our Stephen Ministers have been trained to be a comforting, understanding, listening ear who are here to walk with you through your times of darkness.
If you would like to speak to a Stephen Minister you can contact either Sue Kuhn, Stephen Ministry Leader, or Pastor Trozzo.
God’s peace be with you.
Trish Myers