Stephen Ministry
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person. Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation, and in our community.
Stephen Ministry is a program of lay pastoral counseling and caregiving founded by Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri in 1975. New Hope is one of more than 11,000 congregations in over 150 denominations that provides this.
The Stephen Ministry has been recognized worldwide as a one-of-a-kind tool allowing congregations to add a unuqe dimension of ministry. New Hope Lutheran's Stephen Ministry has been a blessing to the church. Many members are currently involved in becoming Stephen Ministers and continuing the tradition of lay pastoral counseling and caregiving.
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Stephen Ministry
What does a Stephen Minister do?
A Stephen Minister offers Christian friendship and love, listens, encourages, keeps confidence, prays and supports.
Who may benefit by having a Stephen Minister?
People experiencing illness, family frustrations and challenges, loneliness, chronic illness, families of the chronically ill, loss of a loved one, separation or divorce, being shut-in, new baby, terminal illness, low self-esteem, loss of a job, financial setbacks, struggling with faith in God, aging, facing changes in their lives, hospitalization, grief, or anxiety.
“Please keep this confidential…”
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers don’t reveal anything their care receiver says—and don’t even tell anyone who their care receiver is.
How do you get a Stephen Minister or learn more about it?
Contact New Hope Lutheran's Stephen Leader by sending the completed form at the left or calling our church office at 817.498.4339.
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a congregation member who is recruited, selected, trained, commissioned, and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide one-to-one Christian care to persons in need on behalf of the congregation.
Stephen Ministers typically are assigned one care receiver at a time and meet with that person for about one hour each week. Stephen Ministers usually serve for two years, which includes an initial 50 hours of training followed by twice-monthly supervision and continuing education sessions.
More information: www.stephenministries.org
After reviewing the information in blue box on the right, if you would like more information on Stephen Ministry or would like to participate, please complete the form below. Our leader for Stephen Ministry will be in touch with you. Or you may call our church office at 817.498.4339.
Questions, Comments or Participate?
Stephen Ministry Core Purpose
(Mission)
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* Name
* e-mail address
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* Comment, Question or Particpate
Stressed? Discouraged? Lonely? Sad?
Don't Suffer Alone. Help Is Available.
Sometimes we fall into a trap where we think it's a sign of weakness to ask for help. So when we're stressed, discouraged, lonely,
or sad, we try to keep our struggles hidden and are reluctant to
ask for help. However, that's not God's plan. Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." God wants us to care for others--and allow others to care for us in our time of need.
If you're sad or struggling inside, don't suffer alone. Ask for help. We've got a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to provide confidential one-to-one care, encouragement, and support to help you through a tough
time.
Find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders: Jill Altman, Jan Carter or Tina Williamson.
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to bring God's love and care into your life
