Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis.  But there are always many more needs for ongoing care than pastors can effectively provide by themselves.  Stephen Ministers are lay people who are thoroughly trained to work with their pastors to provide additional support and encouragement to people in need.  Confidentiality is a hallmark of the training, only the pastor and the Stephen Minister assigned to each individual know who is receiving care under the program. All conversations between the care giver and the care receiver are held in strictest confidence. 

"Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other." 
I Thessalonians 5:11

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

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministry is your Ministry

Each member of the church plays 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 Minister during you time of need.  God doesn't expect you to bear you 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.

Anyone interested in receiving the care of a Stephen Minister should contact the pastor at (336) 227-6263.

To learn more about the origins and philosophy of Stephen Ministry, see their website: http://www.stephenministries.org/Learn_About_Us/