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 History of the Stephen Ministry About Stephen Ministers FAQs about the Stephen Ministry Comments from Stephen Ministers Comments from Care Receivers Stephen Ministry National Website Frequently Asked Questions about the Stephen Ministry What Exactly Is Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry is a ministry in our congregation in which trained and supervised lay persons called Stephen Ministers, provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties. Who Is Involved? Stephen Leaders are the ones who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry. They have been trained by Stephen Ministries of St. Louis, Mo. The Leaders may also serve as Stephen Ministers.Stephen Ministers are the care givers. They have been through 50 hours of training in Christian care giving, including general topics such as listening, feelings, boundaries, assertiveness and using Christian resources in care giving. In addition, their training specialized topics such as ministering to the divorced, hospitalized, bereaved and aging. Care Receivers are the recipients of Stephen Ministers' care. Stephen Ministers usually meet with their care receivers about an hour weekly for as long as the care receiver will benefit by the relationship. What Do Stephen Ministers Do?Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who listen, understand, accept and pray for, and with, care receivers who are working through a crisis or a tough time. Are Stephen Ministers Counselors? Stephen Ministers are not counselors; they are trained lay care givers. Their role is to listen and care—not to give advice or counsel. Can I Trust A Stephen Minister? Trust is essential to a caring relationship and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust. Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry and what a care receiver tells his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence. How Can Someone Receive Care From A Stephen Minister? Candace Buckbee , Pastoral Care Associate, coordinates referrals. You can contact her through the church office (394-6854). If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, talk to Candace, or one of our pastors, or to any of the Stephen Leaders or Ministers. If you are referring another person, you should first receive their permission.How Can Someone Become A Stephen Minister? Begin by talking to one of our Stephen Leaders, Stephen Ministers or Pastors and they can tell you more.
© 2000 First Presbyterian Church on Orange Street
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