Do you need someone to listen to your concerns and to physically be with you through your challenging times? God provides Stephen Ministers to act as our golden parachutes. So when you feel like you’ve been pushed out of an airplane, and you don’t know where or how you’re going to land; a Stephen Minister can help you glide to a safe landing in a peaceful place. All you need to do is ask for one.
It is as easy as sending us an email or filling out a card found in the pew rack at church. Or, if you prefer, you can call the church office.
Stephen Ministry is a group of trained, caring people listening and providing support to those in need. Read More.
A Stephen Minister is: • A child of God who walks beside a hurting person • A caring Christian who really listens • A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care • A person who is ready to focus on your needs • A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential • Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists
Your Stephen Leadership Team: Jennifer Skripka, Team Coordinator Ed Graefe, Education Coordinator Rita Faye Fisher, Education CoordinatorLinda Schwanbeck, Training Coordinator
Interested in leadership?
Open positions:Publications Coordinator Facilitation Coordinator
Contact Jennifer at Stephenleaders@gmail.com Or call the church office at 763.784.1786
A Stephen Minister is not: • A counselor or a therapist • A problem solver • Someone who run errands or helps with chores • A casual visitor
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?What does a Stephen Minister look like?• Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who express God’s love by helping others • They receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts • They are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training • They visit their care receiver regularly and offer Christian support and care. • They participate in regular monthly meetings under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders and continue to receive education and building their skills throughout their years of service, regardless of whether or not they have a care receiver. • They are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationships
A Stephen Minister Cares for those who are: • Facing hospitalization, a disability or the unknown • Bereaved, lonely or depressed • Transitioning into retirement • Experiencing a spiritual crisis • Terminally ill • New to the congregation • Unemployment or job crisis • Soldiers or their family members • Facing countless other crisis or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend
How do I become a Stephen Minister?Training Sessions are offered each fall. The classes are once a week for 2 hours. Topics include:
• Distinctively Christian Care • Confidentiality • Telecare • Depression • Divorce • Hospitalization • Losses related to Aging • Death of a Loved One • When to Use Mental Health Resources • And much more!
If you are interested in receiving care, or would like to refer someone for care, please contact our Referrals Coordinator, Linda, at readlyngirl@gmail.com or calling the church office. Please get permission from the person whom you would like to refer before submitting their name to the program. The Referrals Coordinator who will contact you to match you with a Stephen Minister who can meet your needs.