Stephen Ministry

Christ Caring for People Through People

 

In John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Loving and caring for one another is the responsibility for all members of the Body of Christ. Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who most need it.

 

Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative at Wellshire who has been struggling with the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, relocation, divorce, a spiritual crisis, recuperating, single parenthood or any of countless other life challenges? Stephen Ministers can provide them with the focused care, encouragement and support they need to make it through the crisis.

 

Stephen Ministers are lay men and women of any age who serve the Body of Christ by caring for those going through a rough time in life.   

Training for this ministry involves a commitment to complete 50 hours of training over the course of several months, along with a general availability to serve as a Stephen Minister when needs arise.

 

What will my Stephen Minister (Caregiver) do?

• Your Stephen Minister will meet with you individually and on a regular basis in an agreed-upon location.

 

• Your Stephen Minister will listen, offer support and encouragement, and help you think about next steps as you walk through some difficult life circumstances.

 

• Your Stephen Minister will pray for and with you, and will encourage you to seek spiritual growth and healing. 

 

• Your Stephen Minister will meet periodically for supervision with other Stephen Ministers. While your general situation may be discussed, your identity and specific conversations will be kept confidential, provided you are not at risk of harming yourself or others.

 

• When your particular difficulty has been resolved or your goals have been achieved, your Stephen Minister will talk with you about putting an end to your official relationship. Sometimes both people are interested in having an ongoing, more mutual friendship.

 

What is my role as a Care Receiver?

• Meet regularly - when appointments are missed or infrequent, it can be hard to keep a clear focus on your work together. 

 

• Be honest - your Stephen Minister is not there to judge, so please talk as openly as you can about your situation and your thoughts/feelings.

 

• Realize that you are the key - so much depends upon your willingness to work towards growth. Your Stephen Minister cannot change your situation, but can walk alongside of you as you seek to take courageous steps forward.

 

• Pursue spiritual growth - true and lasting growth/healing occurs in relationship with God. Seek to know His will and purpose for you. Ask God for courage, insight, and wisdom. Connect with a community of believers who will encourage your growth and healing.  

 

• Understand the role of your Stephen Minister - unlike professional counselors, Stephen Ministers do not have years of training and do not receive payment for their services. They seek simply to show God's love by offering Christian care. Please understand that their purpose is not a mutual, ongoing friendship, but rather to help you in your personal situation. Their gift to you is the freedom to focus exclusively on helping yourself. Their greatest joy will be to see you move forward and to one day no longer need an official Stephen Minister.