Welcome to our Stephen Ministry site. Below you will find questions that may answer your personal questions more quickly. For further information you may always call Kellie O’Regan, the Congregational Care Coordinator, at 488-3200
WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?
Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one caring ministry to help people who are struggling through crises in their lives. When a difficult period strikes, it can be difficult and overwhelming to face it alone. We are a smile, a caring soul and a comfort for those who are in need.
WHO ARE STEPHEN MINISTERS?
Stephen Ministry are congregational members who have a tender heart for those who are suffering. They have received 50 hours of training to help them understand the methods and procedures of Stephen Ministry. They have signed a contract of confidentiality so as not to disclose their care-receiver. They are a listening ear, confidant, friend, trust-worthy person who will walk beside you. Stephen Ministers may be either men or women and they will be paired with a care-giver who is a man if they are a man, or a woman if they are a woman. They are required to attend a supervision meeting once a month to make sure that they are on track with giving help and to improve their skills.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE STEPHEN MINISTRY LOGO?
The Stephen Ministry Logo is simple in its elements, a broken person and a whole person superimposed on a cross; it is rich with meaning. A quick look at it reveals some of its meaning.
First, the dominant element of the symbol is the Cross, which stands between the broken and whole person. In Stephen Ministry the cross is an ever present reminder that it is God who is actively transforming broken people into whole people. For Stephen Ministers, the cross provides motivation for caring ministry through the love of Jesus Christ. He provides purpose so that our caring relationships are transformed by His love.
Because there are broken people in our Christian congregations, in our communities, our nation or our home, Jesus allowed himself to be broken on a cross by the same forces that break people today. Jesus goes on to transcend the cross and by God’s love He became whole and the source of wholeness for all. He offers that to each person.
HOW DO I BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER?
Not everyone should be a Stephen Minister, therefore we have an appointment with anyone who thinks they would like to be a Stephen Minister. We ask you questions and invite you to ask us questions. If it seems to be a good fit, you are asked to take the training. If you are uncomfortable with it or if at any time you decide that it isn’t what you thought it would be, you may choose to discontinue the training. During the interview process, other service opportunities may be offered to better fit your skills.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF A STEPHEN MINISTER?
During the training time, which begins the second week of January 2012, we will hold weekly 2 hour meetings on a Tuesday evening, 6:30-8:30 pm. We will have three week-end sessions on Saturdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and March 31. We will complete the training on April 24 and be commissioned in church the following Sunday April 29. After training, there is on-going training and skill development called “supervision”. This is done monthly for a two hour session with speakers and check-in.
HOW DO I GET THE HELP OF A STEPHEN MINISTER ?
If you would like to be visited weekly by a Stephen Minister, you may call the office at the Church at Woodmoor, 488-3200, and ask to speak with either Pastor Ellen or Kellie O’Regan. They will be able to advise you in this matter.