Going Through A Tough Time?
Spring may have arrived, but life can still seem cold and
dreary for those who have suffered a loss or experienced a crisis. Our
Stephen Ministers are trained to help through the “winters” of life, providing
emotional and spiritual support during tough times.
What is Stephen Ministry?
One-to-one Ministry by Trained, Caring Lay Ministers who
have responded to Christ’s call to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.”---Galatians 6:2
What is a Stephen Minister?
- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
- A caring Christian friend who really listens
- A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to
provide distinctively Christian care
- A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .
- A counselor or therapist
- A problem solver
- A casual visitor
What is Stephen Ministry for?
- Loneliness
- Loss of a spouse
- Retirement changes
- Unemployment
- Despair
- Childbirth
- Hospitalization
- Separation & divorce
- Grief
- Terminal illness
- Being shut-in
- Most of life’s struggles
What does Stephen Ministry provide?
- Someone...who cares, who supports, who listens, who shares.
- Who Can Benefit from Stephen Ministry?
- Anyone going through difficult times who needs someone to
care, listen, and share God’s love with them on a one-to-one confidential
basis.
How can you support our congregation's Stephen Ministry?
Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they
provide Christian care to others. Pray for all who are recieving
confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the
care of a Stephen Minister--be sure to get that person's permission
first! Tell others in the community about the availability of our
congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
Prayerfully consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
Want to know more?
Contact the office at Aldersgate (272.6152) or Donna Barrs (334-399-1843), or email at [email protected].
Below are links to articles about Stephen Ministry, and how they have helped people in their time of need.