Christ
caring for people through people at Sandy Springs Christian Church
What
is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a program designed to provide the
pastoral care to people who need a listening ear to help them through
the tough times in life. Stephen Ministers are trained lay persons who
listen in a sensitive, non-judgmental way through a caring, supportive
and confidential relationship. (A Stephen Minister is NOT a counselor
or a therapist, a proglem-solver or a casual visitor.)
Why
is Stephen Ministry Important?
When something happens that changes your life,
especially if it involves a loss, talking to your family and friends
about your feelings can often help you cope with what has happened. It
is very important to find someone you can talk to, someone who can help
you find the strength to get through a painful time or help you work
through a problem to find out the options your have. Sometime family
and friends can meet this need. At other times, family and friends may
not be available or they may be too emotionally involved to be
objective and patient. Stephen Ministers are trained specifically to
hear your pain or confusion.
When
do I Need a Stephen Minister?
Anytime you need a caring person to talk to, you would
benefit from having a Stephen Minister. People use Stephen Ministers
for many different reasons. Some of these reasons include, but are not
limited to: job loss or financial setback, chronic or terminal illness,
loneliness, grief, hospitalization, childbirth, miscarriage,
retirement, separation, divorce and other relationship problems.
Sometimes it even helps to talk about the small things that bother you.
What About Confidentiality?
Confidentiality is critical to Stephen Ministry. The
confidential nature of these relationships enable people to explore
their feelings in a safe environment, without fear that something they
say may get back to someone they know. Sandy Springs Christian Church
considers confidentiality an essential part of Stephen Ministry.
How
Are Stephen Ministers Trained?
All Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in
caring ministry skills and concepts. After training, Stephen Ministers
meet twice a month for continuing education, skill building, and group
support in their roles as caregivers. The training is led by Sandy
Springs Christian Church Stephen Leaders who have completed a 7-day
Leaders’ Training Conference run by the Stephen Series national
headquarters. Stephen Ministers do not function as professional
counselors, therapists or social workers, and referrals are made to
professionals when appropriate.
How
Do I Request a Stephen Minister?
Call the church office at 404.256.2582 and speak to
one of the clergy or ask for the name of the Stephen Ministry Referrals
coordinator. You can ask for a Stephen Minister for yourself or mention
that someone you know might benefit from having a Stephen Minister.
Once a Stephen Minister is assigned, the Stephen Minister will call to
arrange a convenient time to meet. You, as the care receiver, usually
determine how often you meet and how long the Stephen Ministry
relationship continues.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of
Christ.” Gal. 6:2
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of men and women who
are…
Hospitalized
Terminally ill
Bereaved
In a job crisis
New parents
Divorced
Lonely
In a spiritual crisis
Looking for a caring, Christian friend
