Become a Stephen Minister
Do you have the gifts of empathy and compassion? If so, you could help people in need by becoming a Stephen Minister. Training begins Tuesday evening, September 9 at Southlake Baptist Church. Trainings will take place weekly on Tuesdays through February 10. Please complete the application here. For more information, contact Deborah Diehl, Stephen Leader and co-teacher, at deborah.diehl@stmartininthefields.org.
A Christian community of Compassion
Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. It is one-on-one Christian care for individuals facing a variety of life challenges – people who are experiencing grief, divorce, job loss or relocation. Stephen Ministry allows trained laypeople, who are members of our congregation and have received 50 hours of specialized instruction, to share the journey with those who are facing a crisis such as disability or chronic illness; those who are hurting and experiencing loneliness or isolation, caregiver stress and burnout, or parenting struggles. Stephen Ministers listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. They can be counted on to be dependable and trustworthy.
Stephen Ministers and care receivers are matched confidentially by gender and compatibility. Stephen Ministers and their care receivers meet for about one hour each week, or every other week, for as long as there is a need. The identity of those receiving care and all they discuss remains private and confidential.
The Stephen Ministry program is available to all adult members of the congregation. If you would like to discuss whether a Stephen Minister may be able to help you, please contact our Rector, the Rev. Alan Bentrup at alan.bentrup@stmartininthefields.org. If you know someone in our congregation who you think might benefit from the support of a Stephen Minister, please tell them about our program. Anyone with questions may contact our Stephen Leader, Deborah Diehl at deborah.diehl@stmartininthefields.org.
