New! Stephen Ministry Continuing Education Class

Stephen Ministry will be holding a continuing education class, Wednesday, May 7at 7:00 p.m. in room 703. Fred Krasny from Lone Star Legal, will talk about the legal rights and legal issues involved in non-parent guardianship of children and adult children caring for aging parents. All who are interested are invited to attend.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is an extension of pastoral care. It is a religious and education system of training and organizing members for caring ministry. It was named for Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church who was commissioned by the disciples to care for the needs of the community. It is one-to-one ministry by trained, caring members of this congregation. It is a response to Christ's instruction to: "Love one another as I have loved you."

Who is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is a lay person, man or woman, who makes a two-year commitment to this ministry through training, on-going supervision, and continuing education. These people are commissioned to do in-depth Christian care giving on behalf of Sugar Land Methodist.

• A Caring Christian desiring to offer her or his support to others in time of need
• A Sharing Christian bringing who he or she is to each helping relationship; a partner in someone else's life experiences
• A Trained Christian having developed his or her helping skills through intensive training
• A Dedicated Christian commissioned by the church to offer confidential, in depth caring

A Stephen Minister is Not

• A professional counselor or psychologist
• 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

What Does a Stephen Minister Do?

People hurt and we find out in one of many ways: a pastor is contacted, a church member calls, a pew card drops in the collection plate, a church staff person hears of a need, or a Stephen Minister just sees a need and we respond. At that point a referral is made to a Stephen Minister and confidential care can begin by a phone call or a personal visit. It is then that trust is built and people can begin to sort things out together as love heals and wholeness is restored.

What Does the Stephen Ministry Training Include?

Fifty hours of intensive training with such helping skills as:

• Feelings
• Listening
• Assertiveness training
• Confidentiality
• Crisis theory and intervention
• Telecare
• Use of prayer and the Bible
• Being professional
• The "small step" approach

Other specialized "needs":

• Topics on grief, divorce, depression, ministering to older persons, stress, suicide and others

Following their training, Stephen Ministers are commissioned by our church into active, caring ministry. The Stephen Ministers work in continual consultation with Stephen Ministry Leaders. They meet twice each month during their term of ministry for the purpose of continuing education and group supervision. During the sessions they receive support and help through sharing of problems and concerns while maintaining confidentiality.

Who Might Need a Stephen Minister?

• People who are hospitalized
• People who are depressed
• People who are separated or in the process of divorce
• People who are shut-in
• People experiencing the birth of a child
• People who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally ill
• People attempting to cope with the death of a loved one
• People experiencing loss of a job or financial setbacks
• People and families of those who are in trouble with the law
• People who are new to our church
• People who are inactive members of our church
• People who are struggling with their faith in God

Confidentiality

Stephen Ministers abide by the rule that "All transactions, all observations or impressions, and all records made concerning the person are and will remain confidential."

Need a Stephen Minister or Want to be a Stephen Minister?

To find out more about Stephen Ministry or to receive a Stephen Minster's care, contact Pastor Phil Grose and tell him about your situation. Pastor Phil will help you decide whether or not a Stephen Minister would be an appropriate move for you. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minster, you may also call Pastor Phil. To contact Phil Grose, call at 281.634.8902 or send an email to .