Becoming a Stephen Minister
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STEPHEN MINISTRY is a one-on-one care ministry, always a woman to a woman and a man to a man. The training is excellent, it covers many facets of providing support and care to someone facing difficulties of any kind. Stephen Ministers aren’t counselors or problem solvers; they walk the journey, encourage, support and bring Christ’s unconditional love to those in need. There is a 50 hour training course taught on Thursday evenings beginning each year. Stephen Ministers will be commissioned at the end of the 50 hours of training; the date depends on what holidays and vacation dates fall on Thursdays.
The STEPHEN SERIES is based on the premise that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility of passing on God’s love for people is not just for a chosen few, but for all Christians. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege of all Christians who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit for doing ministry. If you feel a calling to assume the responsibility of effectively caring for those who are hurting by being a Stephen Minister, call us.Me? A Stephen Minister?
“I can’t be a Stephen Minister!”Maybe you haven’t said this aloud, but you may have spoken it to yourself in the mirror - or at least thought it. Anytime some new challenge shows up, the "I can’t" phrase is bound to be nearby. What are some of the reasons you’ve given yourself for not becoming a Stephen Minister?
“I’m not qualified to be a Stephen Minister.”What qualifications are necessary to be a Stephen Minister? You need to be a caring person who is willing to learn, grow and serve. You must be willing and able to maintain confidentiality. You need to make a commitment to training, ministry and supervision. If you meet those qualifications, your Stephen Leaders will equip you with the rest of what you need: training, support, encouragement, care and prayers.
“I don’t know what to say or do in a ministry situation.”Stephen Ministry training is thorough and practical. It includes listening, dealing with feelings, assertiveness, confidentiality, how to begin and end caring relationships, and how to care for people who are experiencing losses or transitions. The goal of training is to prepare Stephen Ministers for whatever they might encounter when working with care receivers. You will learn what you need to know to succeed as a Stephen Minister.
“I have had problems in my own life. How can I help others?”
Perfect! Because you have worked through past problems, your experience of finding God’s help and care in your struggles is some of the best preparation you’ll ever receive for caring for others during their tough times. Stephen Ministers aren’t problem solvers, they are supportive and caring people who walk with others as they work through their difficulties in their own way and in their own time. What a privilege it is to walk beside another person as that person works through his or her struggles! And what a blessing it is to see the results of someone coming through the difficult times who is now able to live their life more fully.
“I don’t have enough time to be a Stephen Minister.”There’s a way in which that is true for everyone – time is a precious commodity. That’s why it only makes sense to use it in activities that make a real difference – in others’ lives as well as in your own life. When you make the commitment to be a Stephen Minister, you will find the hours you need to make it a priority among the many activities you’re involved in. The time investment is significant, but so is the contribution you will be making to building God’s kingdom.Yes! You CAN Be a Stephen Minister!
For more information on becoming a Stephen MinisterLinda can put you in touch with Stephen Ministers who can share with you their personal stories of how God has poured blessings into their lives through their service as Stephen Ministers. In another year, one of these blessing stories may be your own.
please contact Linda Floyd at 972-867-2392 or mlindafloyd@verizon.net
"Love one another - as I have loved you."
John 13:34 -
Current Stephen MinistersLinda Floyd
Bill Graham
Paula Griffin
Ramiro (Ram) Guillen Jr.
Bill Harvey
Belinda Hill
Paula Hook
Fred Hondowicz
Susan Ingersoll
John Kralik
Greg McKeefer
Gregory Nitz
Jo Lynn Ragan
Donna Schreiber
Laura Shoemaker
Van Thoreson
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Documents
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Male Perspective on Stephen Ministry [Training]
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Contact Us
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Linda Floydmlindafloydverizon.netStephen Ministry Training
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