August 2009 Message from the Pastor
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) This is the task of each Christian … to care for one another.
In a more focused way, this is the task of our congregation’s Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are facing crisis or difficulty such as –
• Loss of a loved one
• Hospitalization
• Divorce or separation
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Spiritual crisis
• Unemployment or a job crisis
• A terminal illness
• Aging
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• A chronic illness
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.
Stephen Ministry multiplies ministry. Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.
Stephen ministry provides a biblical solution – equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.
Stephen ministers reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting – both congregation members and nonmembers alike.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
This is a compassionate ministry that may be just right for you. Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who…
• Express God’s care through their lives to others;
• Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• Serve for a least two years;
• Receive continual education and skill building through their years of service.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion.” (Colossians 3:12)
Interested? I am challenging you to grab this opportunity. I invite you to attend a For Your Information (FYI) session after the 2nd Service on Sunday, August 23rd, at 10:40 am. You got questions? We got answers! First training session starts on Saturday, August 29th, at 9:00 am. All materials are provided.
The LORD is calling you to become a part of the HIS CARE TEAM that we might “Love one another – as I (Jesus) have loved you.” (John 13:34)
In His Grip,
Filed under: Messages from Pastor Kittel
