Stephen Ministry
A One - to -
One Caring Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a lay ministry that helps
those facing life's difficulties receive Christian love and support through
one-to-one confidential caring relationships. Stephen Ministers are members of
our congregation who have been specially trained to support people in need.
Grounded in Jesus' command to love one another, the ministry is named after the
biblical Stephen who was the first to offer Christ's love to those in need (Acts 6:1-7).
Perhaps you are hurting...
Stephen Ministers help meet the needs of individuals who...
A Stephen Minister is...
A Stephen Minister is not...
Requesting a Stephen Minister
Some thoughts
Perhaps you are hurting...
Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
Is your health, your attitude, or a significant relationship suffering?
Are you having difficulty adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a
serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
Please consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you during this
difficult time.
Stephen Ministers help meet the needs of individuals who are...
• hospitalized
• terminally ill
• grieving
• in a family crisis
• in a job crisis
• a new member of the church
• disabled
• homebound
• lonely
• in a spiritual crisis
• facing life transitions
• new mothers
A Stephen Minister is...
• a
lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to
provide distinctively confidential Christian care
• a caring
Christian friend who really listens
• someone you can depend on to be there for you
Stephen Ministers are
called to be Caregivers
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the
law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2
Encourage the faint hearted,
help the weak, be patient with all of them.
-1 Thessalonians 5:14
God
is the Curegiver
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.
-Psalm 55:22
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will
give you rest. -Matthew 11:28
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
-1 Peter 5:7
A Stephen Minister is not...
• a counselor or therapist
• a problem solver
• a casual visitor
- A person - either you, a relative or friend is hurting and in need of Christian care.
- The person in need or a friend (with the person’s permission) shares the need with one of the pastors or Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator.
- The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person in need to talk about Stephen Ministry.
- With the person’s permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person.
- With strict confidentiality, the Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care for the person in need.
To make a referral or inquire about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact one of the following:
| Julie Brown, referrals coordinator Anna Armstrong Nancy Nadig Dan Paxton Susan Raaths Rev. Dan Spike Rev. Dr. Curt Baxter |
Please call us at the church office, 847-381-0975 for more information |
Some thoughts
Everyone goes through difficult times, but sometimes we really struggle
with our trials. Sometimes we need to know that someone else cares, that someone
else is pulling for us, praying for us and reaching out to us. Sometimes it
helps to talk with someone who isn’t family, someone who isn’t necessarily a
close friend or a pastor, a teacher or a counselor. It’s for those times and for
those who are hurting in our church community that the Presbyterian Church of
Barrington offers Stephen Ministry.