The Lakeway Church
Glorifying God, Loving Others
2203 Lakeway Blvd. ● Lakeway, TX 78734 ● 512-261-6331 ● Fax: 512-261-7099
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Stephen Ministry Program
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What is the Stephen Ministry? |
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Should I seek out a Stephen Minister? |
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Who are our Stephen Ministers? |
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Should I become a Stephen Minister? |
We meet on 2nd and 4th Wednesday Nights at 6:30pm
for Supervision and Continuing Education.
Stephen Ministry is a group of lay people who have been extensively trained to provide Christian Care in one-to-one relationships. The purpose of Stephen Ministry is to assist Pastors in extending Christian care to members of the congregation who are experiencing a crisis in their lives.
What kind of needs does Stephen Ministry address?
Stephen Ministers minister to someone who is:
| Experiencing grief. |
| Lonely or depressed. |
| Dying or has a loved one who is terminally ill. |
| Experiencing divorce. |
| Hospitalized. |
| Experiencing losses related to aging. |
| Simply needing to talk to a caring person about an immediate problem. |
Stephen Ministers provide emotional and Spiritual Care in a time of need.
Stephen Ministry sounds like it is taking over the care-giving job of the Pastor(s).
It is not the purpose of Stephen Ministry to take over the duties of the pastor(s), but to assist and extend the reach of the Pastors. In most cases, referrals for a Stephen Minister come from the Pastors.
A commonly used phrase to describe the role of Stephen Ministry is, "Stephen Ministry begins when the last casserole is sent home." In other words, Stephen Ministers begin their work after friends and relatives have returned to their lives – and the person in need is still hurting. A Stephen Minister remains in the caring relationship as long as the need is present.
The motto of Stephen Ministry is, "Christ is the Cure-giver; Stephen Ministers are the care-givers."
How do I know that what is said to a Stephen Minister will not be spread throughout the church parish?
Stephen Ministers pledge a vow of confidentiality regarding anything discussed between an individual and their Stephen Minister. The only exceptions are when a possible suicide or harm to another person exists. The reputation and integrity of the Stephen Ministry Program depends on that vow of confidentiality.
Are Stephen Ministers trained counselors?
No, Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors, psychologists or social workers. Stephen
Ministers do receive 50 hours of in-depth training on how to provide quality care-giving. Stephen Ministers participate in an on-going continuing education and supervision program to maintain that degree of quality care-giving.
How long has Stephen Ministry been around?
Stephen Ministry was started in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth Haugk in St. Louis, Missouri. The program is ecumenical in nature with over 200 different Christian denominations represented. Thousands of churches worldwide have established the Stephen Ministry program in their congregations.
To find out more about Stephen Ministry in general, contact their web-site:
www.stephenministries.orgThe Lakeway Church currently has 20 trained and active Stephen Ministers. For information on Stephen Ministry at The Lakeway Church, contact one of the Stephen Ministry leaders below or call the church office:
(512) 261-6331. Janet Moss
jmoss44@austin.rr.com
261-5736
Vern Bennett
vernb@austin.rr.com
261-3895
Edie Ellis
edls@sbcglobal.net
261-3812
Beverly Leonard bkleo@aol.com
264-2181
Brent Graham brent@lakewaychurch.net
261-6331x16
"If I could just talk to someone about it, I know I’d feel better."
or
"I don’t think anyone really understands what I am feeling."
If the above statements echo your thoughts, please call Rev. Brent Graham at
the church office (261-6331). He will have a Stephen Minister contact you.Stephen Ministers are trained to listen without offering unwanted advice. They
listen patiently, without judging, and can assist you in identifying feelings you are experiencing. When appropriate, your Stephen Minister can help you explore what resources are available to you.Stephen Ministers are committed Christian lay people who provide emotional and spiritual support during difficult times. Meeting one-to-one with your Stephen Minister, you can be assured of confidential support during a time when it’s comforting to have someone to lean on – someone on ‘your side’ – someone you can trust. Stephen Ministers care!
If you want to know more about Stephen Ministry, call any of the following Stephen Leaders – Edie Ellis (261-3812); Jackie Garrett (261-3845); Janet Moss (261-5736) or Rev. Brent Graham (261-6331).
Is God calling you?
Is God calling you to become a Stephen Minister? How are you going to answer His call? "Here I am, Lord. Send me." Or – Will you ignore the urging you feel in your heart? Be assured, God knows who He is calling. He knows you – He knows your doubts - but He also knows your abilities. So - Step out in faith if God is calling you to this caring ministry. You’ll be in good company!
Stephen Ministry training:
Helps each individual realize God works in them and through them in the caregiving process. Equips individuals with valuable caregiving skills. Helps individuals access the many resources available to them. Provides peer accountability and support in a confidential setting. Provides opportunities in which each individual can grow deeper spiritually. Helps each individual realize their God-given gifts.
If you are being called to this caregiving ministry, you will probably identify with one or more of these statements other individuals have given on why they feel called to become Stephen Ministers:
"Over the years, I’ve discovered people feel comfortable confiding in me. I guess they trust me." "I want to learn more effective ways to help someone who is hurting." "I’ve received so much support and help in my life. I want to give back by helping someone else." "God keeps laying it on my heart that I need to get involved in this caring ministry." "I want to do something meaningful." "I love people. I’m a caring person. Somehow I feel called to do this." "I keep thinking about Stephen Ministry - thinking I should volunteer."
Remember - Stephen Ministers care: God cures. What a humble privilege it is to have our eyes, ears, and heart opened to share with another the power of Christ’s love.
A new Stephen Ministry class will be beginning in mid-September. For more information about Stephen Ministry – Contact any of the Stephen Leaders:
Brent Graham: 261-6331 Edie Ellis: 261-3812
Jackie Garrett: 261-3845 Janet Moss: 261-5736
