Stephen Ministry
Bearing One Another’s Burden
There are times in everyone’s life when it appears that some situations become overwhelming. There is no one to talk to or one might feel that they are saying the same things over and over to family or friends. Still, the pain lingers. Why not ask for a Stephen Minister from St Mark’s United Methodist Church?
Stephen Ministers are lay people of the congregation skillfully trained to deliver distinctively Christian care and support during those times that are too much to bear. During these crises or life challenges a Stephen Minister will listen, care, and be there for you.
St Mark’s Stephen Ministers are ready to help. Our ministers are full of faith, skilled, compassionate and trustworthy. Confidentially is the cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. No one will ever know what is going on in your life unless you give permission. A Stephen Minister will never divulge your name to anyone. We are here to listen to you. We are here to support you in your time of need. The caring relationship will not end until you are ready and a Stephen Minister will help you bear your burden.
If you, or someone you know, has a need, we are here. Is it a divorce? Is it a death? Could it be financial issues, strife in the family or the loss of a job? The subject is not the issue. The issue is that we are ready to bring the love of Christ to you and bear your burden.
Call Pastor Bonney or Pastor Hittel. They will tell the care receiver (he or she needing help) about Stephen Ministry and start the healing process.
A Stephen Minister is the Care Giver – Christ is the Cure Giver. Be blessed.
The mission statement of Stephen Ministries is to help congregations equip God’s people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry in today’s world.
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit religious and educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 1975 Stephen Ministries has been serving thousands of congregations from 100 denominations with biblical, Christ-centered training and resources for:
· one-to-one lay caregiving
· caring evangelism
· church antagonism
· spiritual growth
· spiritual gifts
· small group ministry
· leadership development
· grief ministry
· inactive members ministry
