Stephen
When you or someone you know is in need of care…
Do you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative going through a difficult time?
Stephen Ministry is a nationally based ministry of trained members at PPC who meet one on one with individuals who are dealing with crisis situations or changes in their lives that are difficult to manage. It was named for Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church who was commissioned by the disciples A Stephen Minister receives over 200 hours of training and continuing education to provide for those in need of compassion, love and care. They are dedicated to confidentiality and the benefits of sharing our burdens with one another. Stephen Ministers meet twice monthly to continue to learn effective ways to be the best they can be for the Care Receivers.Team Leader: Ruth Jensen
Christ Caring For People Through People
"Love one another . . .as I have loved you."
What does a Stephen Minister do?
People hurt and we find out in one of many ways a pastor is contacted, a church member calls, a pew card drops in the collection plate, a church staff person hears of a need, or a Stephen Minister just sees a need and we respond. At that point a referral is made to a Stephen Minister and confidential care can begin by a phone call or a personal visit. It is then that trust is built and people can begin to sort things out together as love heals and wholeness is restored.
Who is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a lay person, man or woman, who makes a two-year commitment to this ministry through training, on-going supervision, and continuing education. These people are commissioned to do in-depth Christian care giving on behalf of Paoli Presbyterian Church.
A Caring Christian desiring to offer her/his support to others in time of need.
A Sharing Christian bringing who he/she is to each helping relationship a partner in someone else's life experiences.
A Trained Christian having developed her/his helping skills through intensive training.
A Dedicated Christian commissioned by the church to offer confidential, in-depth caring.
We want to emphasize that a Stephen Minister is not. . .
a professional counselor or psychologist.
a social worker providing lots of physical services.
an expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc.
a brief, superficial visitor touching base with people now and then.
What does the Stephen Ministry training include?
Fifty hours of intensive training in such helping skills as:
feelings
listening
assertiveness training
confidentiality
crisis theory and intervention
telecare
use of prayer and the Bible
being professional
the "small step" approach
Other specialized "needs":
topics on grief, divorce, depression, ministering to older persons, stress,
suicide and others.
Following training Stephen Ministers are commissioned by our church into active, caring ministry.
The Stephen Ministers work in continual consultation with the Associate Pastor. They meet twice each month during their term of ministry for the purpose of continuing education and group supervision. During the sessions they receive support and help through sharing of problems and concerns while maintaining confidentiality.
What kind of needs does our Stephen Ministry address?
People who are hospitalized.
People who are depressed.
People who are separated or in the process of divorce.
People who are shut-in.
People experiencing the birth of a child.
People who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally ill.
People attempting to cope with the death of a loved one.
People experiencing loss of a job or financial setbacks.
People and families of those who are in trouble with the law.
People who are new to our church.
People who are inactive members of our church.
People who are struggling with their faith with God.
Confidentiality
Stephen Ministers abide by the rule that, "All transactions, all observations or impressions, and all records made concerning the person are and will remain confidential."
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
(On Display in our Lobby)
The logo’s most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus. It reminds us that Christ is at the center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships.
The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how we are all broken people, broken by our sin and imperfections.
The whole person in front of the cross signifies the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It is only through Jesus and his life, death on the cross, and resurrection that we, who are broken people, are made whole.
The Stephen Series logo tells the story of a care receiver’s journey from brokenness to wholeness through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It serves as a simple reminder that it is not the Stephen Minister who restores a person to wholeness. Rather, it is only through the cross of Jesus that a person can be made whole.
The circle is a symbol of God’s eternal and never-ending love for us. God’s love surrounds us, holds us, and heals us, with the cross of Jesus at the center of that love. It was Jesus, God’s Son, who allowed himself to be broken on the cross to save us from our sin and give us the opportunity to be restored to wholeness through him.
Stephen Ministry is here at Paoli Presbyterian Church to help those who are hurting. If you would like a Stephen Minister to be a confidential caregiver for you please call Ruth Jensen, Stephen Leader referrals coordinator at 610-269-6152, or call the church office.