Stephen Ministry
This past June, New Life Community Church enrolled as a Stephen Ministry congregation and in doing so, we join more than 11,000 congregations and organization from more than 100 denominations world-wide who are implementing this system of lay caring ministry.
The Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one caring ministry by trained, caring lay persons known as Stephen Ministers. It was founded by Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1975 and is named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church (Acts 6).
Stephen Ministers are lay people with gifts for care-giving who receive 50 hours of training before providing confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals who are experiencing temporary difficulties or challenges in their lives. For example, individuals who are lonely, grieving, divorced or separated, new to their location, in a spiritual crisis, unemployed, aging, new parents, or experiencing other stresses in life. Although Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry, Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is listen and care – not counsel and advise.
What is the meaning of the logo?
The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we are all broken people and that we are only made whole through the cross of Jesus.
The Stephen Series logo tells the story of a care receiver’s journey from brokenness to wholeness through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It serves as a simple reminder that it is not the Stephen Minister who restores a person to wholeness. Rather, it is only through the cross of Jesus that a person can be made whole.
The logo’s most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus. It reminds us that Christ is at the center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships.
The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how we are all broken people, broken by our own sin and imperfections.
The whole person in front of the cross signifies the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of the cross of Jesus. It is only through Jesus and his life, death on the cross, and resurrection that we, who are broken people, are made whole.
The circle is a symbol of God’s eternal and never-ending love for us. God’s love surrounds, holds us, heals us, with the cross of Jesus at the center of that love. For it was Jesus, God’s Son, who allowed himself to be broken on the cross to save us from our sin and give us the opportunity to be restored to wholeness through him.
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep.” (John 21: 16b); …. love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34).
People are precious, and when they hurt or suffer, they deserve the best care and support we can offer. That's why our congregation has individuals who have committed to becoming equipped to provide quality Christian care to those who are hurting. Their training, commitment, and service will make them the best at providing care for people who need it.
STEPHEN MINISTRY-Training Update
Our Stephen Minister training classes began October 25 and 26, 2011. We ask you to please keep our Stephen Minister trainees in your prayers as they nurture their gifts and acquire new skills so that they can bring Christ’s love and care to hurting people on behalf of our congregation. Also pray for our Stephen Leader who will guide them through their training. Here is what our Stephen Ministers will be learning this coming week.
Session One—The Person of the Caregiver Our Stephen Minister trainees will receive an introduction to the 50 hours of training and will explore the Christ-centered foundation of Stephen Ministry.
For additional information about the Stephen Ministry contact Joanne Albanese at jalbanese@nlcc-li.com or check the Stephen Ministry web site: www.stephenministries.org
"Bear one another's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2);