What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered one-on-one caring ministry. Stephen Ministry helps those who are hurting receive the love and care they need during challenging times.

Maybe...

• There is just too much stuff going on in your life right now.

• Your health, your attitude, or your relationships are suffering.

• You are adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move.

Stephen Ministries gives you the opportunity to share with someone who really cares. Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is...

• a child of God who walks beside a hurting person

• a caring Christian friend who really listens

• a lay person who has received over 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

...committed to growing spiritually in relationship with Christ, and growing in skills through regular Stephen Ministry Supervision meetings.

A Stephen Minister is NOT...

• a counselor or therapist

• a problem solver

• a casual visitor.

How does the referrals process work?

Any adult who is hurting and in need of Christian care can seek a Stephen Minister. It is not necessary to be a member of Trinity to have a Stephen Minister.

If you, a friend, or a relative would like a Stephen Minister, you can, with the person's permission, contact either of the pastors, the church office, or make a request by email or phone to contact the Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, Cheryl Muller. (478-0784)

The Referrals Coordinator will then contact the interested person and arrange a time that they can meet briefly to talk about Stephen Ministry, share expectations and answer questions that the person may have.

If the person decides he/she would like a Stephen Minister, the referrals coordinator prayerfully links him/her with a Stephen Minister. The Stephen Minister and Care Receiver then decide on a schedule to meet (normally once a week) and location.

Stephen Ministry is strictly confidential and distinctively Christian care. It is always one- on-one caring. Stephen Ministers will only care for people of the same gender. Stephen Leaders assign Stephen Ministers to their Care Receivers. Care Receivers do not directly contact a Stephen Minister to receive care or choose who their Stephen Minister will be.

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are in any life crisis that would benefit from a caring, Christian friend. Included, but not limited to...

• hospitalized • family crisis • separation/divorce • terminally ill • life crisis issues • bereaved/loss • in a job transition • relationship issues • new members of the church • homebound • lonely • in a spiritual crisis •

For more information on becoming a Stephen Minister or for referrals, please contact Cheryl Muller at 478-0784 or Cheryl.cpa@verizon.net. Your request will be kept strictly confidential.

Who are our Trinity Stephen Ministers?

Becoming a Stephen Minister

There will be opportunities each year to become a Stephen Minister. There is an Application and Interview process before the training. Please watch for more information or contact one of the Stephen Leaders!

Check out more information about Stephen Ministries at: www.stephenministries.com