Stephen Ministry

Trained and equipped lay persons

who provide distinctly Christian

one-to-one care to those experiencing

all kinds of life needs and circumstances,

in St Thomas More community.

 

Christ Caring for People through People

"Love one another … as I have loved you." John 13:34

Stephen Ministry is a program in our parish that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian, one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances in our St Thomas More community. Currently we have 20 trained and commissioned Stephen Ministers and 6 Stephen Leaders who continue to train, recruit and strengthen the ministry for our parish. These lay persons have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give of themselves through their time and talents as a part of continued enrichment of our faith community. They are an inspiration to our vision statement,

“Growing in Faith, Acting in Love”.

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Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who:

·         Express God's care through their lives to others;

·         Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;

·         Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;

·         Visit another person regularly and dependably, and offer Christian support and care;

·         Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;

·         Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;

·         Serve for at least 2 years; and

·         Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion." Colossian 3:12

 

 

Stephen Ministry - Meeting the Needs of People

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person...a Christian friend...a Stephen Minister. These needs include but are not limited to those who are:

·         Hospitalized

·         Terminally ill and their families

·         Moving into or out of our community

·         Grieving a death or serious loss

·         Homebound and institutionalized

·         In job crisis

·         Aging and elderly

·         Disabled (and their families)

·         Needing the support of a Christian friend

·         Facing life transitions

·         Separated or divorced

·         Experiencing birth or adoption

·         In spiritual crisis

"Bear on another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

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People who receive care from a Stephen Minister:

·         Receive quality Christian care,

·         Deepen their relationship with their Lord,

·         Grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,

·         Come to value ministry from another lay person, while continuing contact with the pastor.

Stephen Ministry enhances St Thomas More outreach by:

·         Creating a caring ministry outreach, where many are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways;

·         Enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community, where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ;

·         Identifying our congregation to our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.

"Encourage one another and build one another up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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About the Leaders of Our Community’s Stephen Ministry

We have 5 Stephen Leaders who are lay persons from our parish and have completed a 50hr. week training and sign a 2 year covenant to act in the capacity of a Leader for our parish community.

Stephen Leaders can:

·         Help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister;

·         Tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;

·         Tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class; and

·         Answer other questions about our community’s Stephen Ministry program.

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How You Can Support Our Community's Stephen Ministry

Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.

Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry.

·         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 our community about the availability of St, Thomas More's Stephen Ministry, and the care it can provide.

·         Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.

 

Consider serving as a Stephen Minister

We a currently recruiting for our next training session that will begin in October of 2008.

 

How You Can Contact our Stephen Ministry:

Linda McDowell 623-566-8222

 

For a more comprehensive look at Stephen Ministry: http://www.stephenministries.org