What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is an international program of emotional and spiritual encouragement offered in thousands of churches around the world. It equips laypersons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and in our community. This is the mission of the Stephen Ministers of Crossroads Community Church:
We seek to model the presence of Jesus Christ through a caring, listening, and encouraging ministry.
Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastors to reach more people with Christian care than the pastors can reach by themselves. Stephen Ministry enhances our outreach by...
- Creating a caring ministry where many instead of a few are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways.
- Enabling our entire congregation to grow as a loving community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
- Identifying Crossroads Community Church in our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.
What situations can a Stephen Minister help me with?
Anyone who has experienced a change in life that has resulted in stress or loss may benefit by meeting with a Stephen Minister. Throughout life, there are times when each of us needs the care and Christian friendship that a Stephen Minister can provide. Such situations include but are not limited to ...
- hospitalization
- illness
- death of a loved one
- separation or divorce
- child birth or adoption
- loss of employment
- sexual confusion, conflict, or addiction
- loneliness
- spiritual crisis
- aging or taking care of the elderly
- moving to or from the community
- stress, anxiety, or feeling down
How does the Stephen Minister help?
A Stephen Minister meets with you regularly for a period of time and provides a confidential, "safe place" to talk about your situation. You can think of a Stephen Minister as a caring listener who will walk with you through the uncertainty, disruption, and confusion of whatever your circumstances are. The Stephen Minister's role is not to solve your problem, but to help you to reach a new place of emotional and spiritual stability in your life where you can more effectively cope with your life's circumstances. Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors or therapists, but they can help you find these and other kinds of resources when needed.
A special note to men
For a variety of reasons, we find that men are often more reluctant than women to seek the kind of help provided by a Stephen Minister. Even though men experience many of the same kinds of life challenges as women - and some that are particular to men - they are also more prone to the "lone ranger syndrome:" struggling alone in silence. We encourage you to seek the assistance of a male Stephen Minister, who understands how tough it can be to take this step.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Our Stephen Ministers are committed followers of Jesus Christ and members of our church, who ...
- Just like you, have experienced changes and struggles in their own lives.
- Have the spiritual gift of compassion and mercy and they care about people.
- Participated in 45 hours of training in such areas as listening, feelings, etc.
- Serve under the regular supervision of pastors, Stephen Leaders, and other Stephen Ministers.
- Desire to help others.
- Desire to give hope to others.
- Will accept people just as they are.
- Will take time to listen and encourage others.
- Understand the importance of and are committed to confidentiality in relationships.
- Are committed to their own personal spiritual development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will what I share be kept confidential?
A: Yes. Although Stephen Ministers discuss their care-giving relationships in peer supervision, they will not reveal the identity of those to whom they minister. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry.
Q: With whom will I meet, a man or a woman?
A: Men meet with men and women with women.
Q: How long does this relationship last?
A: It's really up to you-for as long as it is helpful to you.
Q: How often will we meet?
A: Usually once a week, but the frequency of your meetings will be determined by you and your care-giver.
Q: Does a Stephen Minister take the place of a professional counselor?
A: No. A Stephen Minister is a trained, caring listener but does not take the place of a professional counselor.
Q: How do you make sure Stephen Ministers are providing quality care?
A: Stephen Ministers are required to attend a monthly meeting with the Stephen Leaders and other Stephen Ministers for continuing education and what is called "peer supervision". Each Stephen Minister discusses their care-giving relationship (without identifying their care receiver) and accepts review and feedback from others to make sure we are providing the best care we can within the boundaries of the Stephen Minister's role.
Q: Does the care receiver have to be a Christian?
A: No. Stephen Ministers are available to help believers and non-believers alike. However, we do provide distinctively Christian care. Our model is Christ, who cared for and loved hurting people, often before they had put their faith in Him.
I would like a Stephen Minister.
If you feel that you or someone you love could benefit from a Stephen Minister, speak to one of our pastors or other Stephen Leaders. They can give you further information and assign you to a Stephen Minister.
Crossroad's Stephen Leaders
Pastor Mike Murphy (630) 585-7777, ext. 14
Valerie Murphy, Stephen Leader (630) 225-5938
Our Stephen Leaders can...
- Help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister.
- Tell you how to become a Stephen Minister.
- Answer questions about Crossroad's Stephen Ministry program.
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