“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.. And the Word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem..”
Acts 6:5-7

What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a trained lay member of the congregation who will visit with you weekly, listen, offer resources and referrals, if needed, pray with and for you, and offer Christian love and support

- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person.

- A caring Christian friend who really listens.

- A lay person who has received at least 50 hours training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

A  Stephen Minister is NOT… A counsellor or therapist…A problem solver… A casual visitor.

How does Stephen Ministry work so effectively?
When people experience loss, grief, or other threatening changes in their lives, there’s a need for an empathetic listener. Family and close friends are often too emotionally involved to meet this need. Stephen Ministers are trained to be caring friends who can help hurting individuals sort out options. Stephen Ministers are not professional counsellors, psychologists, social workers, or experts in law, finance, church doctrine, etc., but they are not merely superficial visitors. They use their training to help them give effective care. They also receive supervision of their care on a regular basis. In addition the Stephen Ministers continue in their training through retreats, and bi-weekly continuing education events.

Also, this ministry is effective because we understand it’s limitations. Stephen Ministers understand that they are most effective as care givers and not cure givers. In Stephen Ministry, God is viewed as the CURE GIVER and Stephen Ministers are viewed as Christian caregivers. We care for people and let God supply the cure.

With what sorts of problems can Stephen Ministers help?
An exhaustive list would be impossible to present. Stephen Ministers are given specific instruction in a wide variety of life-issues. The following are just a few of the areas in which a Stephen Minister might provide resources, care, and support:

Where there is illness… care to the hospitalised, homebound, disabled, chronically or terminally ill.

Where there are work-related problems…
To the unemployed, the under-employed, those seeking or undergoing career change, retirement, job stress.

Where there are family changes… care for the bereaved, support to new parents, separation or divorce.

To the elderly.

To those battling substance abuse

To those who are depressed, anxious or stressed.

To anyone in any sort of spiritual crisis.

How does Stephen Ministry work?
When you want to receive the care of a Stephen Minister, simply contact one of the Stephen Leaders. We will visit with you about the ministry and make a referral to one of the Stephen Ministers. It’s that simple. Prayerfully consider whether you could use the Christian support of a Stephen Minister on your journey in life and contact us if we can help. Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships.

Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity (and what is shared in a caring relationship) will remain private.

Interested?
If you want to train to become a Stephen Minister, contact Steve Vanderhoof or the church office.

Phone: 805-644-7474
E-Mail: tlc-vta@pacbell.net