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| Hurting? Struggling? Discouraged? Stressed? Confused? Broken? Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care |
Christ Caring for People
| The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. |
A Stephen Minister Is...
+ A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
+ A congregation member with gifts for care giving, 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 Minister 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.
+ 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...talk with one of our Stephen Leaders.
Stephen Ministry Multiplies Ministry
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many
more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.
Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution - equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to
support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.
Stephen Ministers reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting - both congregation members and
nonmembers alike.
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 emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or
difficulty, such as -
+ Loss of a loved one
+ Hospitalization
+ Divorce or seperation
+ Loneliness or discouragement
+ Spiritual crises
+ Unemployment or a job crisis
+ A terminal illness
+ Incareceration
+ 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.
Stephen Ministries St. Louis Supports Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in
1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations
worldwide.
| Log on to www.stephenministries.org or call (314) 428-2600 to learn more. |
Phone: 318-868-3613 stlukesshreve@bellsouth.net Janice Boller or Virgil Hilburn |
| St. Luke's United Methodist Church |
| Shreveport, LA 71105 Voice: 318-868-3613 Fax: 318-868-3614 stlukesshreve@bellsouth.net |