The purpose of this ministry is to provide confidential, high quality, Christ-centred care to individuals who are experiencing a difficult time or crisis in their life. Stephen ministers have completed the Stephen Ministry training course and meet twice monthly for peer support meetings.
“What exactly is a Stephen Minister? One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the . . . . . . . After People
After the phone call you hoped you’d never get
After the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you
After the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life
After the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do”
After the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “welcome to your new home”
After the lst child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty
After the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away
After the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible
After you find a pink slip with 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. They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworker or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.”
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Stephen Minister training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relational skills in learning how to listen to, care for, and walk with those going through difficult times in life. They are not counselors but trained Christian caregivers with the role to listen and care—not counsel or advise.
After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage and provide emotional and spiritual support. As this is a supervised ministry, biweekly reporting sessions support quality Christian caregiving. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry, what a care receiver tell a Stephen Minister remains confidential, even in supervision, the names of care receivers and specific details are never discussed. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.
Continued education helps Stephen Ministers to continue to hone and develop additional caregiving skills.
If you feel you would like to discuss the possibility of meeting with a Stephen Minister please contact one of the following:
Contact one of the following:
- Rev. Steve Bateman 403-327-3970
- email stephenminister@staug.org
