Stephen Ministry
Who we are:
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Christian caregivers who have completed 50 hours of specialized training
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Ordinary members of the congregation, not professional pastors or counselors
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People who come alongside to listen and support hurting people during life’s rough patches
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What we offer:
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A listening ear
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A caring heart
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A ready shoulder to share the load
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Prayer
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A loving Savior
How we Serve:
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Visit an individual care receiver, usually once a week for about an hour
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Keep the caring relationship and all discussion therein confidential
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Offer longer-term distinctively Christian care for adults struggling with “normal” crises and trauma: separation or divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, illness, recovery from surgery, childbirth and its complications, life transitions, etc.
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Stay accountable through regular peer supervision, maintaining strict confidentiality in the process
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Pray consistently for our particular care receivers
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The boundaries of the Stephen Ministry relationship:
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We are not professional counselors
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We cannot offer babysitting, errand-running, meal preparation, legal advice, etc.
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Stephen Ministry is a volunteer, formalized relationship which continues until both parties agree about closure.
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We minister only to same-sex, individual adults, not to children, youth, couples or families.
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You do not need to be a church member in order to request a Stephen Minister.