What is Stephen Ministry?

What exactly is this Stephen Ministry ? Stephen Ministry is caring ministry by trained lay people. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists. Instead, they are caring Christian friends who can offer a listening ear to help others through the tough times in life. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their ministry. If you are a Holy Spirit parishionerwho is going through a tough time and could use a caring friend,contact us.

What do Stephen Ministers do? They offer Christian friendship and concerned listening to people when they need it most.

A friend in need . . . In times of trouble, we look to caring Christian friends to listen to us while we work through our feelings. A Stephen Minister can be such a friend, either to you or to someone you know.

Who will know. . . about my problem if I talk to a Stephen Minister? This is a question many people ask. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. No one knows what is talked about in a caring relationship except for the person him-or herself and the Stephen Minister. If you have a burden you need to share, perhaps a Stephen Minister can help.

I get by with a little help from my friends . . . remember the Beatles song? We all need a concerned caring friend at difficult times in our lives. A Stephen Minister can listen and care for you or for someone you know who is going through a tough time.

When the crisis never ends . . . many people face a chronic crisis every day of their lives. Whether they are caring for a sick family member, going through a long period of unemployment, or experiencing incurable pain, they and their families may benefit from the support and care of a Stephen Minister. Our congregation is committed to providing care to those who need it.

Divorce, death, losing a job-- all of these are crisis that can be overwhelming. A Stephen Minister is ready and willing to care for you or a friend during difficult times like these.

When you've reached the end of your rope . . . A Stephen Minister can help you tie a knot and hang on! For someone who will listen and help you find the resources you need to get through this tough time.

Needing someone to talk to . . . Ever felt this way? Caring communication with others is a basic human need. Stephen Ministers can help meet that need.

"Pull youself together." You've heard it a million times. But things just aren't coming together. You're still hurting. You need someone to listen and to care, without judging or pushing you to "get better." AStephen Minister can be this person for you.

"It can't be that bad."But it is. And no one seems to understand what you're going through. At times like this, you need a concerned Christian friend who will listen while you work through your feelings. A Stephen Minister can be that friend.

"Things will get better--just hold on." You appreciate your friend's concern. But until things do get better, you need extra support. A Stephen Minister would like to provide that caring concern by being there to listen.

"Why God?" Every Christian goes through periods of struggling with questions about faith. Often this can be very painful. If you are going through a rough time in your spiritual life right now, a Stephen Minister would like to care for you.

"Is that all there is?" For everyone there comes a time when we look back and wonder if we should have done things differently, if perhaps we should make a change somehow . . . If the words of the old song seem more and more appropriate to your life, you can benefit from the caring, listening presence of a Stephen Minister.

Decisions: What should I do with my life? What does God want me to do? How can I know? A Stephen Minister can serve as a listening ear while you explore these questions.

Illness: Are you or someone you care for going into the hospital? A Stephen Minister would like to be there for you, both now and during your recovery. A Stephen Minister will listen and help you find the resources to make it thorugh this difficult time.

Empty arms: The baby clothes have all been put away. The crib has gone to the cousin. But the hurt remains. A Stephen Minister would like to care for you through your time of grief.

Divorce: It's over. You never dreamed anything could hurt so bad. In this extremely painful time, you need the gentle, caring support of a Stephen Minister. A Stephen Minister will be there for you as you work through this difficult time, listening without judging or pushing you to "get over it."

"I'm Alone!" We want to help you.

Depression: A sadness so soft settles on us. It is seemingly without cause. Yet, it lingers like the winter fogs. A caring Stephen Minister is readyand trained to help you find yourself through the mist.

Tired: The day-in, day-out routine of caring for your loved one is getting you down. Your're exhausted. You need someone to care for you. A Stephen Minister can be this person. He or she won't push advice on you--instead, your Stephen Minister will listen and care for you, helping you sort through your feelings and discover the resources you need to make it through.

Newlyweds: The wedding is over, the thank you notes have been sent, and you're starting to learn to adjust to life together. As you adjust to your new life, a Stephen Minister can provide an little extra support.

Transferred: A new assignment, new responsibilities, new co-workers, finding a house, packing up boxes, looking into schools for the kids, is a busy and exhausting time. Whether you are moving into the area or out, a Stephen Minister would like to care for you as you work through your feelings and concerns.

These are only a few circumstances of life that a Stephen Minster would be helpful to you. What happens when you ask for a Stephen Minister for yourself or a friend? Someone will contact you to talk more about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. Then, you will be matched with a Stephen Minister, who will listen and support you through this tough time.

This whole process is completely confidential. No one knows what you talk about with your Stephen Minster except the two of you.

Want to contact us? Thank you in advance!