Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is one way McFarlin provides for the laity to be directly involved in pastoral care. Through this ministry, lay people are taught the necessary skills to provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges. Fifty hours of training are offered in Christian caring skills, including topics such as effective listening, acknowledging feelings, utilizing the traditional resources of Christianity in caring, and maintaining confidentiality. Stephen Ministry cares for those who are critically ill or injured, bereaved, in a job crisis, separated or recently divorced and others who go through many of life's crises.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister can be described as . . .
- a child of God who walks alongside a hurting person.
- a caring Christian who really listens.
- a lay person who has been trained to provide distinctively Christian care.
The role of a Stephen Minister is to listen and care, not to advise or give counsel, and to recognize when a person's needs exceed what they can provide. Stephen Ministers maintain only one caring relationship at any given time and usually meet with their referral on a weekly basis. Confidentiality is preserved at all times by not discussing care receivers by name or by implication. A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem solver, or a casual visitor.
How does Stephen Ministry Work?
A friend, relative or another person may identify an individual as in need of care to McFarlin's Care Ministries Coordinator. The identified person should be asked is they desire a call from the Coordinator, and if agreed, the Coordinator will sit down with the person to determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care needed. Then if this care is deemed appropriate and with the individual's agreement, the Coordinator will assign a Stephen Minister to meet with the individual as long as necessary.
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Consider allowing a McFarlin Stephen Minister to walk with you on your journey to wholeness.