Stephen Ministry in our Congregation

For more information or suggestions of individuals who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please call Pastor Otey or a Stephen Ministry Leader:

Sydney Reed  406-587-5167

Judy McKee   406-556-0118

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.  Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Difficult Times

We all experience challenges in life- times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend.  Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a 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 or chronic illness
• Incarceration
• Aging
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
• Relocation
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• And many more….

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.  The identity of those receiving care in each relationship remains private.

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

a Stephen MInister is…..

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregation member with gifts for care-giving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages
• Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need

 “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.“ Galatians 6:2

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry.  Here’s what you can do:

• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
• Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need.  God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.
• Refer a name of someone who might need a Stephen Minister to the Pastor or a Stephen Leader.
• Tell a Springhill member, a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.

STEPHEN LEADERS ARE.....

trained leaders in our congregation who oversee

and direct our Stephen Ministry.

• If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister;
• If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister;
• If you have questions about Stephen Ministry;

…talk with one of our Stephen Leaders.