Stephen Ministers
Since 1995, Stephen Ministers at SPC have extended the pastoral care of our congregation to our own members as well as into the community. They show Christ’s love by being there to listen on a weekly basis for about an hour, supporting those who find themselves going through a time of difficulty. Confidentiality is assured, and Stephen Ministers at SPC receive four hours per month of supervision and regular continuing education.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times
We all experience challenges in life - times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emtional and spirtual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as -
- Loss of a loved one
- Hospitalization
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual crises
- Unemployment or a job crisis
- A terminal illness
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- A chronic illness
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
A Stephen Minister Is...
A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need.
Stephen Ministry is Your Ministry
You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:
Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
Accept care from a Stephen Ministry during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
Stephen Leaders Are...
Trained leaders in our congregation who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry.
Literature
The Stephen Ministry program provides the following helpful resources. The Fellowship Hall lobby contains a rack of Care Notes brochures on many topics of spiritual concern, from grieving a death or divorce, to providing support for aging parents. There are also Care Notes targeted to children and youth. The Stephen Ministry library in the study has a number of books, DVDs and other resources for lending for those going through difficult or dark times, or for those sharing that journey with one they love. Our Stephen Ministers send a series of four grief booklets during the first year to those who have lost a close family member.
Contact Us...
If you - or someone you know - could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister.
If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister.
If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry.
Please contact our Associate Pastor for Congregational Care & Older Adult Ministry, Rev. Lisa Day, at 610-543-4712 x117 or lisa.day@swarthmorepres.org.