Who May Stephen Ministry Help?
Anyone who is dealing with one of life’s difficult times and who wants a neutral, confidential listener is a possible care receiver for a Stephen Minister. The challenge does not need to be an up-coming heart transplant operation as was one care receiver’s worry years ago. The hurting does not need to be grieving for a broken marriage, loss of a job, or death of a loved one as have been concerns in the 23 years of our church’s participation in Stephen Ministries, St. Louis. Each of us experiencing set-backs could benefit from one-to-one Christian care. One’s emotional or spiritual unrest may be short-lived or last a year.
Christ has taught us to share his love with our neighbors. (John 13:34) Scripture has asked us to bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)
After 23 years in Stephen Ministry as a leader and lay-minister, I absolutely know it is a wonderful help just to unburden one’s concerns to an empathetic listener. Stephen Ministers have 50 hours of well-developed training, once-monthly support and supervision by fellow caregivers, and once-monthly continuing education sessions to broaden the skills of lay-ministry and to promote our spiritual growth.
Our church has a dedicated, talented Stephen Ministry Team. Talk with Pastor Trozzo or Sue Kuhn if you or someone you know could benefit from a Stephen Minister’s care.
-Sue Kuhn, Stephen Leader