What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.
Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
Are you suffering in the areas of your health, attitude, or relationships?
Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, listen, and share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside a hurting person; a caring Christian friend who really listens; a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide Christian care.
A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem-solver, or a casual visitor.
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are hospitalized, terminally ill, bereaved, in the midst of a job crisis, persons new to the church, the disabled, homebound, lonely, those in a spiritual crisis, or who are in need of a caring, Christian friend. The referral process begins when a person - either you, a relative, or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian care.
The Stephen Ministry Referral’s Coordinator learns about this need for care - from the pastor, the person, or a friend ---- always with the person's permission. The Referral’s Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry. With the person's permission, the Referral’s Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person. The Stephen Minister continues to provide Christian care for the person with strict confidentiality.
Stephen Ministers Are Called to Be Caregivers
Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
God Is the Caregiver
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
If you would like more information on how to become a Stephen Minister or to receive care from one, please talk to one of our Pastors or Pender’s Stephen Leader, Kent Allingham. You can reach Kent at (703) 691-1786 (Home) or (703) 886-3943 (Work).
