Stephen Ministries
is an important part of the mission of the Shirland Church. Stephen Ministry is
lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists; rather,
they are caring Christian friends who can offer a listening ear to help others
through the tough times in life.
Stephen Ministers have vital roles in three areas of ministry:
The first is as care giver. They will meet with a care receiver (men meet with men and women with women) once a week, usually for one hour.
The second area of ministry is called Peer Supervision. Each of our Stephen Ministers meet under the supervision of our Stephen Trainers and Pastor.
The third, and most important ministry-is prayer. Each Stephen Minister prays for their care receiver and the other care receivers in the supervision group.
Stephen Ministers: The After People
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:
¼
after you've washed and returned the last casserole dish¼
after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.¼
after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away-and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.¼
after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you've held at bay come crashing in on you.¼
after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful¼
after the doctors have said, “There's nothing more we can do.”¼
after the door has slammed shut-for the very last time.¼
after the phone call you always hoped you’d never get.¼
after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.¼
after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”¼
after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.¼
after the baby has arrived, putting more burdens on you than you ever dreamed possible.¼
after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.¼
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, 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.