Sardis Presbyterian Church
Sunday, July 06, 2008  
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What is Stephen Ministry?

It is a ministry in which trained, caring people listen and provide support to those in need. 

 

A Stephen Minister provides ongoing Christian care to people who are:

 

  • facing hospitalization, disability, or the unknown;
  • bereaved, lonely or depressed;
  • experiencing a personal, family, or job crisis;
  • experiencing a broken relationship;
  • terminally ill;
  • in need of a listening friend.

 

A Stephen Minister is not…

 

  • a counselor or therapist;
  • a problem solver;
  • a casual visitor.

 

How do I request a Stephen Minister?

Email Rev. Alice A. Johnson, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care & Outreach, or call her at 704-366-1854. 

 

A Stephen Minister will only be assigned with your permission, and under conditions of strictest confidence.

 

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love...

Ephesians 4:2

 

 

Stephen Ministers—The “After People”

 

Frequently our friends will ask, “I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what Stephen Ministers are?” The best explanation we can give is that Stephen Ministers are “After People.”

Stephen Ministers are there...

  ...after you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.

  ...after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.

  ...after the last child honks the horn, waves and drives away, and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.

  ...after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.

  ...after the relationship has ended, but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.

  ...after the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”

  ...after the door has slammed shut—for the very last time.

  ...after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.

  ...after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you’d ever imagined.

  ...after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”

  ...after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.

  ...after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.

  ...after you find a pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.

  ...after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” We are ready to come alongside you and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed.

 

 

Contact a Stephen Minister.jpg

CLICK ABOVE TO
CONTACT A
STEPHEN MINISTER

What Happens When You Seek
Help From A Stephen Minister?

When you ask for help from a Stephen Minister, Rev. Alice Johnson will contact you to talk about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. If your needs can be best served by a Stephen Minister, you will be matched with someone who will support you through this tough time. Confidentiality is a top priority for Stephen Ministers. You do not need to be concerned that others will discover what you talk about with your Stephen Minister.

To find out more about Stephen Ministry or to receive a Stephen Minister’s care, email Rev. Alice Johnson or call her at 704-366-1854.

 

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