Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:11-12)
Stephen Ministers Care
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love can help you get through the confusuion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Stephen ministers might meet the needs of individuals with these kinds of thoughts:
- "Life is more than I can handle alone right now."
- "I'm adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move."
- "I'd like to have someone in my life to talk to who really cares..."
The Stephen Minister
A Stephen minister is...
- a child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
- a caring Christian friend who really listens.
- a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
A Stephen minister is not...
- a counselor or a therapist.
- a problem-solver.
- a casual visitor.
How do referrals work?
- A person -- you, a relative, or a friend -- is hurting and in need of Christian care.
- The Stephen ministry referrals coordinator learns about this need for care -- from a pastor, the person, or a friend, always with the person's permission.
- The referrals coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen ministry.
- With the person's permission, the referrals coordinator assigns a Stephen minister to meet with the person on a weekly basis.
- The Stephen minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care with strict confidentiality.
Stephen ministry meets the needs of individuals who are...
- hospitalized
- terminally ill
- bereaved
- in a job crisis
- new members of the church
- disabled
- homebound
- lonely
- in a spiritual crisis
Stephen Ministry at Reveille
Stephen ministry came to Reveille Church in 1991, when the first class of Stephen ministers was trained. Today there are over 20 active Stephen ministers. Each of them has completed a 50-hour training program and meets twice monthly for support in this ministry.
Stephen ministry is a national program and Reveille's program works with other churches in the Richmond area who share in this ministry. In addition, Reveille's Stephen ministers are also involved in national workshops and training events.
Becoming a Stephen Minister
Stephen ministry is not for everyone. It is for individuals with distinct spiritual gifts for listening, pastoring, and guiding. If you believe you have those spiritual gifts, please contact the minister for congregational care to schedule a conversation about this ministry.