Stephen Ministry: Christ Caring for People Through People
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2, NRSV
St. Andrew is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. What does that mean?
Our church equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
While our pastors are available to us, there are times, when a trained Stephen Minister can provide more regular, ongoing support than a pastor, can effectively deliver by themselves. Stephen Ministers make weekly visits to the lonely and offer support and encouragement in a crisis. Our Stephen Ministers also make visits to the hospital for those who need prayer and support.
Each Stephen Minister participates in 50 hours of in-person training before being commissioned to serve. A Stephen Minister will be there for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for as long as the receiver needs that care: a few weeks, months, or even years. All communication between the Stephen Minister and his or her care receiver is strictly confidential.
What are some of the challenges you may be facing? A Stephen Minister will walk by your side through any of these situations:
- Loss of a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Spiritual crisis
- Incarceration
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- Illness
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Unemployment or job crisis
- Aging
- Relocation
- And many more
If you or someone you know needs the caring concern of a Stephen Minister, contact one of our pastors:
Jonathan Tompkins or Frank Lybrand.
Interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister? Contact Stephen Leader Bill Putnam.
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