Stephen Ministers
What is the Stephen Ministry?
- It is a one to one ministry by trained, caring parishioners.
- It is a long term helping relationship focusing on the unique needs of each person
- It is a commitment to caring and supporting one another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing community.
- It is a response to Christ's instruction..."to love one another as I have loved you."
- It is a religious and educational system of training and organization, which is already working in many congregations throughout the country.
- It is a ministry named after St. Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the communities needs.
Who is a Stephen Minister?
- A lay person, man or women who through training will learn skills and develop his/her gifts for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are lonely, grieving, strangers, new parents, ill, or experiencing other stresses in life.
- A caring and sharing person who reaches out a supporting hand to the spiritual, social,and emotional needs of our community.
What kind of needs will the Stephen Ministry address?
- People who are hospitalized
- People who are greiving the loss of a loved one
- People who are lonely
- People who are depressed
- People who are separated or in the process of divorce
- People who are shut in
- People experiencing the birth of a child
- People who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally ill
- People experiencing loss of job, or financial setback
- People and families of those who are in trouble with the law
- People who are new to our parish
- People who are inactive members of our parish
- People who are struggling with their faith with God
Do I really need help?
- Am I confused about events in my life?
- Do I feel like I have lost control of my life and my problems?
- Do I doubt God's presence and love for me?
- Am I hurting?
- Do my job worries seem too great to handle? Are they getting me down?
- Am I feeling lonely? Do I often wish I had someone to share my thoughts with?
- Have there been changes in my life that have caused re-adjustments in my lifestyle?
- Am I having difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
- Have I recently suffered a loss?
- Do I ever feel like I just want someone to listen?
Stephens Ministers are caring, supportive Christian people who have a desire to be with you in a time of need, grief or crisis
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or know someone who is, or if you would like to learn more about the program, call the St. Timothy Church Office at 1 (810) 631-4752. Our pastor will be glad to help you
St.Timothy would like to welcome the new Stephen Ministers commissioned Sunday, March 9, 2008.
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