Who was Stephen? From the book of Acts (chapter 6:2-5) Stephen
was one of the first people appointed by the Apostles to serve
the needs of the church. Lots of people in and outside the
church are struggling. Lay ministers bring to those in need a
listening ear and caring heart, helping the Pastor with the
overwhelming needs in a growing congregation.
Gerda
Krogslund, Liz Demerest and Glenda Teabo-Sandoe are all
trained as Stephen Leaders. Gerda is our training specialist,
Liz is our placement specialist, and Glenda is our supervision
specialist.
Stephen
ministers are the ones who provide one-to-one Christian care
for about one hour per week. They include: Helen Crockett, Liz
Runnalls, Deanna Prisco, Patty Pierce, Penny Antona, and Jane
Brighton. Most are currently in caring relationships.
We are always seeking new Stephen Ministers and are in the
process of planning another 50 hour training series.
Characteristics needed for Stephen ministers include:
emotional stability, spirituality, a caring attitude and
manner, dependability and trustworthiness. After the 50-hour
training regimen, Stephen Ministers are commissioned and then
assigned to a care-receiver.
A care-receiver can be anyone who needs high quality
confidential one-to-one ministry. Women meet with women, men
meet with men. We are in need for men to serve as Stephen
Ministers.
You qualify as a care-receiver if you are experiencing a
crisis or difficult time and feel you might benefit from an
ongoing one-to-one Christian care. Some issues that might
suggest a need for a Stephen Minister are: grief, terminal
illness, disaster victim, hospitalization, aging, loneliness,
discouragement, a chronic illness, disability, separation,
divorce, birth, adoption, a new member, a job crisis, or a
major life transition.
Now that you are more informed about the Stephen Ministry we
wonder, how can we help you, or, how can you help us?
You can contact us at
StephenMinister@otisvillepres.org
or
by calling Liz at 386-3851.
