Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).
WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?
Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one ministry in which lay congregation members with 50 hours of in-person training provide high quality Jesus-centered care to people in the congregation and the community who are hurting and experiencing life difficulties.
This ministry was started in 1975 and currently can be found in 30 countries and 13,000 churches representing 180 different Christian denominations.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love to people during a time of need. am, click the link on our website or email andrea@inewhope.org. Training is set to begin again in the fall. We are a fun bunch and we’d love to have you join in this very worthwhile ministry!
Stephen Ministers meet with care receivers who would like someone to walk beside them through various challenges in life such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, loneliness, spiritual struggles and more. Although they are trained in skills such as active listening, they do not take the place of therapists. Meetings with care receivers are usually once a week for an hour and conversations are kept strictly confidential. Men are paired with men and women with women. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need exists.
WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?
How CAN I CONTACT A STEPHEN MINISTER?
If you are struggling and would like someone to connect with you in a Stephen Ministry relationship, you can click on the link in Church Center or on our website (inewhope.org and click the Stephen Ministry badge). You can also fill out a card in the seat back pocket and put it in the black boxes at the back of the sanctuary, hand it to a staff member or place it in our confidential mailbox on the wall near the men’s bathroom. A Stephen Leader will contact you and talk about whether this ministry is right for you and if it is, will confidentially pair you with a Stephen Minister.
HOW DO I BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER?
If you’d like to become part of our wonderful, supportive Stephen Ministry team, click the link on our website or email andrea@inewhope.org. Training will begin February 16th, 2023.
We are a fun bunch and we’d love to have you join in this very worthwhile ministry!