Church Ministries
MINISTRIES BOARDS GROUPS MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP  
 

 

                 

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is . . .

· a child of God who walks beside a hurting person;

· a caring Christian friend who really listens;

· a lay person who has received at least 50 hours of training in how to    

      provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

· a counselor or therapist;

· a problem-solver;

· a casual visitor.

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals of all ages who are...

· hospitalized;

· terminally ill;

· bereaved;

· in a job crisis;

· divorcing;

· in transition;

· disabled, homebound, lonely;

· in a spiritual/personal crisis; or looking for a caring Christian friend.

We are pleased to announce the addition of  four new Stephen Ministers.  Peggy Erhorn, Bob Carlson, Linda and Jerry Goresch have joined Donna Yost, Faye Hoffman and myself.

Currently we have two care receivers that are being ministered to by St. John’s Stephen Ministers and have facilitated the care of three others by local congregations that have Stephen Ministry programs. 

Stephen Ministry meets twice a month.  In the meetings we work together to provide supervision to the Stephen Ministers who have care receivers, and also offer continuing education.  In order for a care receiver to truly open up and share there innermost thoughts and feelings, the caregiver must have the assurance that communication is confidential. Stephen Ministry is a Christ centered ministry where God is the cure giver and the Stephen Minister is the vessel of God’s love.  Stephen Ministry is a powerful and personal ministry.  Without the continued support of the pastors and the congregation we will not be able to sustain this caring ministry.   

If you are interested in joining our team please contact any Stephen Minister.  We are planning our next training session in the fall of 2008.

Yours In Christ,

Scott Liggett and Donna Yost

 

Scott Liggett

Supervision Coordinator

Email: smliggett@hotmail.commm

Phone: 616-502-0680

 

 

 

P.S. You will also grow spiritually when you serve as a Stephen Minister. When God calls you to service, He also gives you the faith and the gifts you need to do His will.

Social Ministries Click here

E-Mail Prayer Chain Requests & Prayer Partners

If you have a prayer request that you would like placed on the prayer chain, please email Kathryn Bruursema at kachrist37@sbcglobal.net . with details, or complete the prayer request card in the pew rack and deposit in the offering plate. Prayer requests are kept confidential unless you specifically give permission to use your name.

Currently we have 50+ people who pray for the needs of our church and its members. Prayer requests are forwarded via e-mail to these prayer warriors. Each member agrees to hold the information confidential and promises to bring the intercession or praise before our Lord in prayer.

Stephen Ministers:

Who Will Know…about my problem if I talk to a Stephen Minister? This is a question many people ask. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. No one knows what is talked about in a caring relationship except for the person and the Stephen Minister. If you have a burden you need to share with a Stephen Minister, contact Carol Shake, Stephen Ministry coordinator, at 842-9169.

Frequently friends will ask, “I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?” I like to explain 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 coming 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 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 the 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 – or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives – and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed.

Adapted from a presentation made during a worship service by Enie Bourland, a lay Stephen Leader at Houston’s First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas

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Saint John's Lutheran Church and School  - 527 Taylor Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417

Church office (616) 842-4510  :  School office 616-842-0260

 

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