St. Therese Parish has been blest with the opportunity to start a Stephen Ministry. We have been tasked to assist Fr. Mark in leading this new ministry. Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one confidential, Christian care for those experiencing life’s difficulties. For the past month we have been in training to prepare ourselves for this task. Our mission statement follows that of the parish: Love God, Follow Jesus, Serve All by supporting those in need.
We ask for your prayers to help this ministry succeed in its mission. If you are feeling called to this ministry, or would like more information, please contact Mollie Anderson or Rosemary Hyman in the Parish Office.
Stephen Ministry Leaders:
Mollie Anderson, 704-664-3992 ext. 2117, stephenministry@sainttherese.net
Rosemary Hyman, 704-664-3992 ext. 2315, stephenministry@sainttherese.net
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.