A joyous occasion as First Presbyterian commissioned our new Stephen Ministry Leaders Sunday morning, September 26. Stephen Ministry is a new caring ministry at First Presbyterian that will equip lay persons to provide Christian one-to-one care to our members and the larger community who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances.
CORE VALUES
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 in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
VISION
“Christ caring for people through people.”
MISSION
We believe God has called us to be His hands and feet in the world. Our mission is to bring the presence of Christ to those who are hurting through gifted and trained Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers provide Christ-centered one-on-one confidential care to people who are hurting. We act as the “care-givers” while faithfully believing that Jesus is the “cure-giver”.
Q. What is Stephen Ministry?
A. Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation & community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
· Loss of a loved one · Loneliness or discouragement
· Hospitalization · Spiritual crisis
· Divorce or separation · Unemployment or job crisis
· A terminal illness · Birth, adoption, miscarriage
· Incarceration · Aging
· A chronic illness · Relocation
· Recovery after an accident · And many more
Q. What is a Stephen Minister?
A. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who are specially trained to listen, care, encourage, and support people who are going through tough times.
Stephen Ministry Timeline:
Sunday, September 26: Stephen Leader commissioning service
September – December 2010: Stephen Minister recruitment
January – May 2011: Stephen Minister training
June 2011: Stephen Minister commissioning
June 2011: Stephen Minister/ Care receivers referrals
Stephen Ministry Leader Team