Stephen Ministry: "God Cares and We Care"
Acts 6 of the Bible tells the story of St. Stephen, the first lay person chosen and commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need. Stephen Ministry is named in his memory.
St. Paul's is a Stephen Ministry Congregation with lay people trained in the Stephen Ministry system of Christian care-giving who have been commissioned for this ministry. They are available to any person experiencing a wide range of needs or crises, for as long as that need or crisis exists.
Stephen Ministers do not replace the ministry of the pastor—rather, their ministry is in addition to that care, helping the entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community. They are initially trained for 50 hours (with required continuing education each year), bound by a promise of confidentiality, and ready to be active listeners to their care receivers.
We are here for you. Let us know how we can hold you in our hearts and prayers and walk with you into wholeness. Contact Pastor Sonntag or any Stephen Leader to receive a Stephen Minister, or to find out more about this ministry. Our Stephen leaders are Kathleen Breuer, Sherrie Campbell, Joan Daughen, Pat Lackman and Tom Lackman.
Examples of Stephen Ministry situations:
-being hospitalized, homebound, lonely
-persons facing terminal illness and their families
-dealing with a job crisis
-life transitions, including aging
-persons with disabilities or their families
-going through separation or divorce
-being new in our church or community
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