STEPHEN MINISTERS

Named for St Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, this ministry is a commitment to caring and supporting one another to build a Christ-centered, sharing community. A Stephen Minister brings their skills and talents as well as Christ's love to aide people who may be lonely, grieving, strangers, new parents, ill, or experiencing other stresses in life. A one-to-one ministry by trained, caring parishioners, Faith's Stephen Minsters reach out a supporting hand to the spiritual , social, and emotional needs of our community.

Stephen Ministry is...

> a lay caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need. > an ongoing helping relationship - people who need help, get help. > a meaningful way for Faith's congregation to more fully use their talents in sharing one anothers burdens and joys.

A Stephen Minister is...

> a caring Christian desiring to offer support > a sharing Christian bringing talents to each helping relationship > a trained Christian who has developed skills through intensive coursework > a committed Christian commissioned by the congregation of Faith Church

A Stephen Minister is NOT...

> a professional counselor, physcologist, or therapist > a social worker providing physical services > an expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc. > a brief, superficial visitor "touching base" with people now and then