Stephen Ministers are lay Christians selected, trained and supervised to provide effective Christian Care. An initial 50 hours of training, meeting twice per month for supervision and continuing education is part of the 2 - year commitment to the program. This is done in an environment of complete confidentiality. No names are ever mentioned.

Stephen Ministry was founded some 30 years ago and is a major part of the caring ministries in over 8,500 congregations world-wide.

What Do Stephen Ministers Do?

• Pray
• Listen
• Explore feelings
• Share Christ’s love
• Maintain confidentiality
• Attend to the care giving process and leave the results to God
• Walk with people who are journeying to wholeness .

Why Is Stephen Ministry Your Ministry?

• Because you care for those who hurt — whatever the hurt may be.
• Because you know God cares for those who hurt.
• Because you see Stephen Ministry as a unique and effective way of bringing a faith perspective to situations which — for the moment or for a lifetime — are burdens to those who experience them.
• Because , given the awareness of need in the life of a fellow church member, you would recommend that he or she seek out a Stephen Minister.

What A Stephen Minister Is NOT.

• A social worker
• A casual visitor
• A problem solver
• A household helper
• A professional counselor or therapist
• An expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc.

W ho Should Be Referred?

• People who are lonely.
• People who are hospitalized.
• People who are struggling with parenting.
• People who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• People who are separated or in the process of divorce.
• People who are terminally ill and their families.
• People who are experiencing loss of job, or financial setbacks.
• People who are experiencing crisis situations.
• People and families of those facing legal difficulties.
• People who are struggling with their faith.
• People who are separated from family.
• People who are substance abusers and/or recovering.
• People with “personal” relationship issues.
• People who are experiencing hurt from abuse.
• People adjusting to a life changing situation; retirement, stay at home mom, promotion, new parent, empty nester, graduating from college, etc.

How do I Make a Referral?
To make a referral just follow these four easy steps .

• Identify the person who is hurting — either you, a relative or friend and in need of Christian care.
• Explain the benefits of Stephen Ministry to them.
• Ask the individual for permission to refer them or have them call.
• CallPastor Dennis Apple 489-6212 or Gary Hayes 764-8398

INVITE A STEPHEN MINISTER TO SPEAK TO YOUR GROUP

Call Tom Calligan (782-5065) to schedule a Stephen Minister to share the story of Stephen Ministry to your group.

Read more about Stephen Ministry at www.stephenministry.org.

Stephen Leaders Pastor Dennis Apple Ethel Brewer Gary Hayes Maggie Ackleson	Stephen Ministers Larry Miller Anita Reglin Ray Reglin Norma Roberts Steve Roberts Bunny Fox Dick Bradford Paulette Hayes Chuck Merriner Jim Scullin Linda Link Deanna Campbell Tom Calligan Darlene Fetrow Bill Green Carol Lytle Ron Regier Russ Wiglesworth Yvonne Wiglesworth