Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care

Are you hurting?  Are you struggling?  Are you discouraged?  Are you stressed? Are you confused?  Are you broken?

We all face challenges in life--times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend.  Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as--

• loss of a friend
• hospitalization
• divorce or separation
• loneliness or discouragement
• spiritual crises
• unemployment or a job crisis
• a terminal illness
• incarceration
• aging
• birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• a chronic illness
• relocation
• recovery after an accident or disaster
• and many more

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry:  The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

"Love one another--as I have loved you."  John 13:34

Our congregation's Stephen Ministry 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.

A Stephen Minister Is . . .

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
• someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need

Stephen Ministry Multiplies Ministry

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis.  But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution--equipping God's people for ministry.  Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.

Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting--both congregation and members and nonmembers alike.

"Bear one another's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians  6:2

Stephen Ministry in Our Congregation

• Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care and support of a Stephen Minister?
• Do you know someone else--perhaps a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative--who could benefit from Stephen Ministry? 
• Are you interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister?

Then talk with a pastor or Stephen Leader--or contact the church office at 254-772-9349--to learn more.  Our Stephen Leaders are Pastor Paul Krupicka, Edna Harris, Carol Linda, James Schwarz and Jo vonRosenberg. 

Stephen Ministry is Christ Caring
for People Through People