Our faith encourages us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2. We follow Paul’s advice in many ways within the life of our congregation. One important path is through Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers are trained to meet faithfully for about an hour each week with someone experiencing a challenge in life. This lay-ministry supports, encourages, and shares the hope and presence of God with anyone facing a difficulty in their lives for as long as needed.
While reading Bible passages, praying together, and sharing deep feelings in confidence, care receivers begin to heal through experiencing God’s love.
As members of the congregation, all of us can be representatives of God’s love by keeping our eyes and ears open, be lookouts, for people who might benefit from Stephen Ministry. God doesn’t expect us to be alone in distress. When noticing that a person is in need, we can tell that person about Stephen Ministry which provides a caring Christian friend to help them navigate through the difficulty.
The people of Saint Matthew Church are fortunate. Our church has invested 20 years into training dedicated Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers. Put us to work! No one needs to feel alone and frozen by concerns. A care receiver can feel freed by sharing his or her troubling thought sand experiences in private, one-to-one Christian care.
To find a Stephen Minister, first ask the friend if he or she would like a caregiver. Then the person, or you with their permission, could talk with Pastor Trozzo or Sue Kuhn, Referrals Coordinator, to learn more.—Sue Kuhn, Stephen Leader