The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.

Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry?

Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregations 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 avout an hour each week, for as long as there's a need

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - (Galatians 6.2)

Stephen Ministry is Your Ministry

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:

• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
• Accept Care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
• Tell a friend, neighbod, coworker, or relative who is hurting avout our Stephen Ministry.
• If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Leaders Are...

Trained leaders in our congregation who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministr.

• If you - or someone you know - could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister...
• If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister...
• If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry
• ... talk with one of our Stephen Leaders.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other." - (1 Thessalonians 5.11)

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 members and nonmembers alike.

"To equip the saints for the work of ministry." - (Ephesians 4.12a)

To obtain more information please contact:

• Roseanne Elling:

  972.407.0321

• Sandy Sammons:

  sandysammons@sbcglobal.net