CEFC offers a program in which trained and
supervised individuals, called Stephen
Ministers, provide one-to-one Christian care
to those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Stephen ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place
in each caring relationship remains private. Trust is essential to a
caring relationship, and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust.
Stephen Ministry is available free of charge to
those in our congregation and community.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is...
- A Christian who is committed to
helping a person who is
experiencing a difficult time.
- One who has specialized training in
Christian
care giving.
- A caring friend who listens, prays,
supports and
focuses on your need.
- A trustworthy confidant who will
keep everything
you say--even your
identity--confidential.
- Someone who will faithfully meet
with you for about an
hour each week, for as long as
the need exists.
A Stephen Minister is not...
- A counselor or therapist.
- Someone who runs errands or helps
with chores.
- A casual visitor.
What is a Stephen Leader?
Individuals from the congregation receive
additional training to oversee and direct the Stephen Ministry. They
recruit, select, train, organize and supervise Stephen Ministers. They
also help identify people in need of care and match them with a Stephen
Minister.
What is the Pastor's Role?
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care,
especially during times of crisis. A Stephen Minister is not a
substitute for the pastor. But there are always many more needs for
ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by
themselves. Stephen Ministers extend that care and reach out with God's
love to people who are hurting.
Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough
Times
We all experience
challenges in life. There are times when one 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.
- Loneliness or discouragement.
- Divorce or separation.
- A terminal illness or caring for one
with a terminal illness.
- Spiritual crisis.
- Unemployment or a job crisis.
- Changes in family dynamics.
- Moving or relocating.
- New to the congregation or
community.
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or
infertility.
- Recovery after an accident or
disaster.
- Transition into retirement.
- And any number of other crises or
life challenges.
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with
the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through
a difficult time. Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you
on your journey to wholeness.
There is NO Need to Struggle Alone!
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. God does not intend for you to struggle alone.
Are you in need of support as you work through a
life challenge?
Do you know someone, perhaps a friend, neighbor,
co-worker, colleague or relative who could benefit from support care?
Then contact one of the Stephen Leaders listed
below (through the church office) by calling (563) 243-4164. They can
tell you more about Stephen Ministry and how you--or a friend--can be
matched with a Stephen Minister.
Stephen Ministry: Stephen Leaders
Lori Bonnell
Carolyn Livingston
Joyce Duey
Becky Campbell
An Opportunity to Learn, Serve and Grow
Become a Stephen Minister
We are planning to train a new group of Stephen
Ministers beginning late summer and early fall this year. You may have
noticed the bulletin board in the corridor that was recently changed to
reflect spring and inform interested,
called people of the opportunity to learn, serve
and grow.
Just as spring reflects God’s gift of new
life and growth, Stephen Ministers also reflect the gift of life and
growth to their care receivers. Stephen Ministers are trained to
provide emotional and spiritual support and care to troubled people
just as Jesus did when he walked the earth. Stephen Ministers are the
“care giver” and Jesus is the “cure giver.”
Please prayerfully consider your spiritual gifts
and if you are interested in serving Jesus in this ministry, please
contact Lori Bonnell, Becky Campbell or Carolyn Livingston.
