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Stephen Ministry How Do I Apply for the Stephen Ministry Program?
After your prayerful consideration, come by or call the church office for an
application form. You will then be contacted for an interview. For more
information contact
Doug Oquist.
How are Stephen Ministers Trained?
Stephen Ministers receive approximately fifty hours of training, based solidly on
Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological
sciences before beginning their care giving work. The training topics are really
"Practical Theology." Some of the topics are: The Art of Listening;
Traditional Resources of Christianity; Assertiveness Training; Confidentiality; Feelings;
and Ministry to the Dying, Depressed, Older Persons, Grieving; etc.
Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety of
related subjects.
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"They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy Spirit... And the
Word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in
Jerusalem..."
Acts 6:5-7
- A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need.
- A structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.
- An opportunity to reach out to others: the lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the
bereaved, new people in town, those hospitalized and convalescing, the divorced, the aged.
- An on-going, helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability, and
confidentiality.
- A meaningful way for our church to use more fully our many talents in sharing one
another's burdens and joys.
Who are the Stephen Ministers?
- Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the
concern and care of Christ's community to people in need.
- People who come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds.
- Caring and sharing Christians desiring to offer their help/support to others in time of
need.
- Trained Christians having developed their helping skills through intensive course work.
- Dedicated Christians commissioned by your church to confidential, one-to-one caring
relationships.
Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists; experts in law, medicine, or
church doctrine; or social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither
are they superficial "visitors" who merely "drop-in" from time to
time.
Does the Stephen Ministry Replace the Pastoral Ministry of Our Pastors?
Absolutely not! The Stephen Ministry expands their ministry by providing more workers
in the Body of Christ. A caring ministry is not reserved only for pastors. It is the
responsibility of each Christian to "minister" to one another with love as
Christ ministers to us.
What Kind of Commitment Would I have to Make
as a Stephen Minister?
Obviously, being a Stephen Minister will require a commitment of time and effort in the
service of helping other people.
- A two year commitment beginning is necessary. This will include a
50 hour
training course offered on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon, starting on an
announced date and lasting until you are commissioned.
- After commissioning, in addition to your service as a Stephen Minister, you will attend
two meetings a month, for two and a half hours each, for supervision and continuing
education.
Blessings of Stephen Ministry
Being a Stephen Minister will bring many unexpected blessings into your life.
- You will grow in the understanding of your own Christian calling as well as the
privilege of working closely with others in helping relationships.
- You will experience the fellowship of a warm, loving, and caring group of people.
- you will know you are a vital part of the Body of Christ -- the living church.
- The skills you receive as a part of the Stephen Ministry training are applicable not
only to a lay caring ministry but also in your everyday life experiences and relationships
with others.
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