Our church plans to have a new class for Stephen Ministers in January. To encourage the idea for growing this lay-ministry, some of our current Stephen Ministers have written their reason for becoming a part of this ministry and described their commitment to it. Stephen Ministry benefits both the care receiver and the caregiver.
I first learned of Stephen Ministry back in the 90’s in a conversation with the branch manager of my bank. She was a member of a Lutheran church in Pennsauken and a Stephen Minister. We had tried another caring program which did not work out, and I thought this more structured one would work well at Saint Matthew Church. From that point I began advocating for Stephen Ministry but the cost was a concerning factor.
Eventually Pete Boal, chair of Spiritual Life Ministry, got on board and convinced the congregation council it would be worthwhile. We sent two people to train as Stephen Leaders, and I was one of the six trainees in that first class. We were commissioned as Stephen Ministers in 2001, and it has been my special blessing to walk with women for over 20 years as they struggled through various difficulties in their lives. Sometimes people feel they can manage problems on their own or with the help of friends or family. After having a Stephen Minister, they realize how necessary it was to have an “outsider” who would listen and help them to understand the situation and strengthen their own faith. As Stephen Ministers, we know that God is the cure giver and we are the care-givers who provide some spiritual support during a difficult time in a person’s life journey.
Rozella Bower
Thinking about becoming part of the Stephen Ministry can make it sound a little scary. You may feel that you don’t know enough or know the right things to say or do. We are not professionally trained or educated pastors; we are lay people.We do not take the place of a pastor; we are an additive to his work. During our training, we learn how this mission can assist the church and its memberswithone-on-onerelationships.Welearn
the importance of scripture and prayer in helping others. We learn to listen to the needs of othersand hear what is not said.We do not judge. We are there to hold your hand as you go through a time of need.These times of need could be asshort as just a few days, weeks, or longer.You have heard the expression “giving a hand up” in helping someone, and we are that hand. We ap- proach every situation with love and care, and mostofallGod’shelp.Therearetimeswemay not know what to say, or how to speak, but with God’s help, it just comes out right.
JoAnnLawrence
It was the Holy Spirit that led me to Stephen Ministry. There was a moment in my life when empathy, compassion, kindness, and unconditional love became the central point in my life.In order to keep it, I needed to give it away. Gratitude is an action so Stephen Ministry was the perfect place. I express my hope, faith, and trust in the Lord by coming alongside another man with Christ. His hands and feet.
Dave Frech
Lifepresents challenges sometimes in our lives that seem too much to handle by ourselves. Christ is always at our side; however, it can help to have a loving Christian friend who is willing to listen as we unburden ourselves. Stephen Ministry provides such an opportunity to anyone who has that need. The caregiver has had training to be able to listen, reflect, and respond compassionately to a care receiver. You and your caregiver determine what the issues are and determine how you want to proceed. Some choose prayer and scripture to find guidance. Above all, the caregiver is not there to solve the problem. God is the healer, and care receivers are given the opportunity to work out their own answers.
Barbara Duffy On December 10th at 9:15 am plan to attend an Adult Forum in the Library for a presentation by the Stephen Ministry Team who will explain and model the work of Stephen Ministry in our church.