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Stephen Ministry

November 23 | Stephen Minister Training
11:40 am @ FBC Conference Room

You are invited to explore how to become a Stephen Minister. The information meeting is on Sunday, November 16 at 11:40 am in the Conference Room. Training will begin in January 2009.

FBC’s Stephen Ministry is...

  • About caring - According to experts, the average American family will experience a moderate to severe difficulty every three to four years. As Christians, we know that Christ has called the church family to care for one another in times of need. Stephen Ministry is integral to that ministry of care here at FBC. We thank God that we now have Stephen Ministers to help fulfill this important ministry in our church.
  • A One-on-One Ministry that matches our trained Stephen Ministers with a care receiver of the same gender. The core values of our Stephen Ministry include Confidentiality, ongoing supervision, and making sure to remain focused on the process of giving emotional and spiritual encouragement while helping bear another's burden. Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.
  • Supported enthusiastically by the Pastors and Elders of our church family. Already in our short history with Stephen Ministry, we have seen tremendous growth in the lives of people who have participated in this vital caregiving ministry. Both the caregivers (Stephen Ministers) and care receivers have benefited greatly from this ministry which seeks to provide comfort and encouragement to those in need (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Stephen Ministry is a biblically based ministry that is interdenominational and international in scope (www.stephenministries.org).

Our mission: Giving emotional and spiritual encouragement, we confidentially bear another's burden in Christ's love.

What does a Stephen Minister do?

  • Listens
  • Encourages
  • Keeps confidence
  • Prays
  • Supports
  • Walks beside a hurting person

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who...

  • Express God's care through their lives to others;
  • Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
  • Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
  • Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
  • Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
  • Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship

Stephen Ministers are NOT...

  • Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Problem solvers
  • Casual visitors

Who may need a Stephen Minister?

People who are dealing with:

  • Illness / hospitalization
  • Chronic illness
  • An ill family member
  • Family frustrations & challenges
  • Moving transitions
  • Loneliness
  • Death or serious loss
  • Divorce
  • Pregnancy / adoption
  • A disability
  • A disabled family member
  • Terminal illness
  • Self-esteem
  • Job Loss
  • Financial setbacks
  • Aging and elderly
  • Faith issues
  • Major changes in their lives
  • Upcoming or recent graduation
  • Other concerns

Christ Caring for People through People

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

When you or someone you know is in need of care, Stephen Ministry can help. If you want to go through training to become a Stephen Minister, or if you are going through a crisis and want to connect with a Stephen Minister, please contact Scott Wieking.