Stephen Ministry
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how do i know if i need a stephen minister?
Life is tough sometimes and you do not need to walk alone.
Stephen Ministers are trained to help people walk through life’s difficulties, using the tools of lay counseling and prayer.
If you find you are having a tough time, dealing with loss, have recently been through a crisis, then Stephen Ministry might be what you need. Potential Care Receivers will first meet with one of our Stephen Leaders to assess the needs for care and to match with a Stephen Minister. This service is confidential and free. The partnership between the Care Receiver and the Stephen Minister lasts as long as needed.
Our Care Receivers have benefitted from having a caring, Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.
Contact Mollie Anderson [email protected] if you feel you could use a Stephen Minister.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV). -
it was such a burden off my shoulders
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What do Stephen Ministers do?
Our Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training and then are matched with someone who is experiencing a life crisis. The Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
How do I become a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Minister training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relating skills. Trainees learn how to listen to, care for, and walk with those going through difficult times in life.
Stephen Ministers are trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders using resources from Stephen Ministries St. Louis. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister or would like an application, please contact Mollie Anderson [email protected]
What is Stephen Ministry?
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Who are Stephen ministers?
Stephen Ministers are congregation members equipped and
commissioned for caring ministry. They come from many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but all have one important thing in common: a heart for bringing Christ’s healing love to hurting people.In short, Stephen Ministers are people like you—caring Christians who want to make a difference in the lives of those going through difficult times.
Click below to read a collection of stories where Stephen Ministers share about the personal and spiritual growth they gained through their Stephen Ministry training. -
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stephen ministry means not having to be alone
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what does a stephen minister do?
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Pray!
Stephen Ministers pray daily for their care receivers and strive to worship God always in word and deed. They rely on the love and compassion of God to provide care to others. Care for the Care Receiver Stephen Ministers are assigned to care receivers—people in crisis who need caring support. The Stephen Minister’s care helps the care receiver resolve the difficulty and achieve growth. Most Stephen Ministers meet once a week with their care receivers for about an hour at a time. During these visits, Stephen Ministers use special skills to care for their care receivers. Among the most important are the following: Listening. Most care receivers need someone simply to listen—really listen—as they talk through their difficulties. Dealing with feelings. Stephen Ministers reflect the care receiver’s thoughts, feelings, and ideas and ask open-ended questions to help the care receiver recognize, express, and accept their feelings.
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Sharing distinctively Christian caring resources
Stephen Ministers may share a prayer, a Bible verse or story, or other caring gestures that the care receiver would welcome. Remaining focused on the process. Stephen Ministers do not try to fix care receivers or their problems; they focus on the process of caregiving and trust God for the results. Relating assertively. Stephen Ministers respect both the needs of the care receiver and their own needs.
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Maintain Confidentiality
Stephen Ministers understand that confidentiality is crucial in any caring relationship. The care receiver needs to know that what they say to the Stephen Minister will remain in confidence. Stephen Ministers maintain confidentiality and support one another in doing so.
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Help Identify People in Need of Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers act as ministers of referral, helping to identify people who would benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister and then connect them with that care.
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Participate in Twice-Monthly Supervision and Continuing Education
Stephen Ministers participate faithfully in supervision and continuing education twice a month, coming prepared to every supervision session unless illness or emergency makes attendance impossible. Supervision provides Stephen Ministers with the ongoing support they need for their caring relationships.
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Help the Congregation Understand and Appreciate Stephen Ministry Through their Service
Stephen Ministers help our congregation appreciate Stephen Ministry and encourage members to become ministers of referral, helping those in crisis receive the care they need.
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Contact Us
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Mollie Andersonstephenministrysainttherese.netStephen Ministry Leader
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