“It is so refreshing to be listened to without the fear of judgment.”
“My Stephen Minister is a blessing and she has become a valued friend.”
“I know that I can tell you about this and you (the Stephen Minister) won't think that I am crazy.”
– A few quotes from Stephen Minister care partners
In the fall of 2017, Seminary Intern Lucas McSurley and Ava Fiebig trained to be Stephen Leaders and recruited eight Lord of Life members to also be trained as Stephen Ministers. As we begin our eighth year of ministry, we are very grateful for your support and for surrounding this caring ministry with prayers! Prayer is a foundation for our ministry and informs all that we do!
You may be wondering “What is Stephen Ministry?” Stephen Ministry offers compassionate, confidential, non-judgmental support to people during difficult times. A Stephen Minister is available to walk alongside a person who is suffering. Galatians 6:2 invites us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Stephen Ministry makes these connection points possible.
A few terms: A Stephen Minister is someone who provides high-quality, distinctively Christian care to someone who is going through tough times, following a period of training. The Stephen Minister meets regularly with a care partner, offering a listening ear, support, encouragement, and prayer. All of this happens in an atmosphere of respect and confidentiality.
A Care Partner is an individual who is facing tough times and could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers are prepared to provide emotional and spiritual support when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, separation or divorce, discouragement, loneliness, spiritual crisis, unemployment, chronic or terminal illness, aging, birth, adoption, miscarriage, infertility, relocation, and recovery from injury or illness.
Pairing up in this intentional format helps congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) in powerful and practical ways. Stephen Ministry gives pastors a team of gifted, trained, and committed caregivers ready to minister to hurting people. Stephen Ministers nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others and those who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support. In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church.
If you think you could benefit from the confidential, individual care of a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Lowell or Cindy Campbell for more detailed information.
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please do the same. Training consists of 50 hours on topics such as listening, confidentiality, communication, boundaries, assertiveness, and more. Our next training session starts in January 2025.
Please continue to pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry. Keep this option in mind when you are in need, and tell a neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry team.
One of our Stephen Ministers recently said, “It is an honor and a privilege to walk beside someone who is suffering. I feel that I can be the ears and heart of Jesus to them.”
This Sunday, November 10, Stephen Ministers will be available in the Gathering Space after each service to answer any questions you might have about this ministry. Refreshments will be provided and we will even be giving out a book called "Holy Moments." Please stop by and talk with us!
Love in Christ,
Tom Barth, Cindy Campbell, Ava Fiebig, Barb Mackey, Dave Mackey, Dave Matthews, Denise Matthews, Aleen Miller, Lynette Rice, Amanda Spangler, and Michelle Swinney
P.S. - We would like to publicly thank Cindy Clay, Becky Mastalerz, and Jenny Smith for their years of service as Stephen Ministers. They recently “retired” and they were instrumental in our success! Thank you for being faithful, dedicated, and caring! We will miss you on the Stephen Ministry team!