Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Series from Stephen Ministries is a complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around the Good Shepherd congregation and in the surrounding Sahuarita/Green Valley community.

Want to Learn More about Becoming a Stephen Minister?
The Good Shepherd UCC will train a new class of Stephen Ministers beginning on January 6, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
For those who might be interested in being part of this class, we will be holding a Stephen Ministry information session on Sunday, October 2, during the Adult Forum at 10:15 a.m.
There will be a short video, an overview about Stephen Ministry, and time for you to ask questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Stephen Ministry as you prayerfully decide whether this is the right ministry for you.
 
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister and can't attend the information session, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: Connie Aglione (520-203-7557), Veronica Johnson (520-203-7399) or Linda Redfield (520-306-2049).

Stephen Ministry information (PDF file)
Stephen Ministry Application (PDF file)
Learn more, visit the Stephen Ministries website.

What do Stephen Ministers do?

Stephen Ministers:

• Listen
• Explore feelings
• Pray
• Share Christ’s love
• Maintain confidentiality
• Attend to the caregiving process
• and leave the results to God

Stephen Ministers care for people who are:

• Grieving
• In a crisis
• In need of long-term care
• Dying
• Hospitalized
• Divorcing
• Experiencing losses as they age
• Going through a crisis of childbirth
• The family and friends of people in crisis

What Is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is . . .

• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
• A caring Christian who really listens;
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential; and
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

• A counselor or therapist;
• A problem-solver;
• Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
• A casual visitor.