Pastoral Care and Newcomer Ministries
Stephen Ministry
St. Luke's is a Stephen Ministry congregation committed to caring and supporting those with spiritual, emotional and social needs in a one-on-one caring ministry by trained parishioners. Stephen Ministers are available to those who wish to have a companion "on the way" through a difficult experience in a relationship of trust and confidentiality.
What is Stephen Ministry
- a one-on-one ministry by trained, caring parishioners.
- a long term helping relationship focusing on the unique needs of each person.
- a commitment to caring and supporting one another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing community.
- a response to Christ's instruction "to love one another as I have loved you."
- a ministry named after St. Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the community's needs.
What kinds of situations are appropriate for Stephen Ministers?
- People with difficult relationships at home, work, school, or church
- People grieving the loss of a loved one
- People who "feel down"
- People who are separated or in the process of divorce, or have been divorced
- People who are homebound and lonely
- People with serious physical illness or terminal illness and their families
- People experiencing job loss, financial setbacks, or contemplating retirement
- People and families of those who are in trouble with the law
- People who are new to the Parish and are trying to enter the community
- People who have fallen away from the church
- People struggling with faith issues
- People who feel overwhelmed by responsibilities
- People who are alienated from family members or children
- People suffering from disappointments
- People who have been abused physically or verbally
- People in need of a trusted listener
A Stephen Minister is not a:
- Professional counselor or psychologist
- Social worker
- Expert in law, finance, theology, etc.
- Casual visitor
- Substitute for the clergy
Why would I need a Stephen Minister? I have my family and friends to support me during this difficult time. What can a Stephen Minister offer even though I have a support system?
A Stephen Minister can be:
- A listening presence. A Stephen Minister is not as emotionally involved as your spouse or children. You can be open and honest about whatever feelings you are experiencing. People often hide their true feelings from those they love because they do not want to hurt or burden them.
- Encouragement for family members. Knowing that another is also caring and giving to the one who is hurting will give additional support to family members.
- A source of caring. After your initial responses to the crisis are over, a Stephen Minister can be a consistent, dependable listener and friend. You will have a companion in the process of healing.
- A part of our faith community. The presence of a Stephen Minister says, "You are an important member of our Parish, and your Parish community cares about you."
Telephone the Pastoral Care Office at the Church (828.6425 ext. 212) if you are interested in a speaking with a Stephen Minister.
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