Stephen Ministry: Christ Caring for People through People

What is Stephen Ministry?

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 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’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, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.

·         If you are a good listener, a compassionate person, and can be confidential, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Stephen Leaders are…

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

Talk with one of our Stephen Leaders …

·         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.

Stephen Leaders at River of Life are John and Jan Baylor at 570 286-7227 or jjbaylor@ptd.net.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times

We all experience 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 loved one, hospitalization, divorce or separation, chronic or terminal illness, spiritual crisis, 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.

Contact Stephen Ministry at River of Life…

·         If you or someone you know could benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care of a Stephen Minister,

·         If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister,

By contacting our Stephen Leaders, John and Jan Baylor, at 286-7227 or jjbaylor@ptd.net

Or the Church office at 287-5329.

Stephen Ministries St. Louis Supports Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.  Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.

Log on to www.stephenministries.org