STEPHEN MINISTRY
Our Stephen Ministry is made up of caring individuals who have each completed a minimum of 50 hours of training in listening and helping others determine solutions to problems. Stephen Ministers are assigned by the same gender to those who are referred or are self-referrals to this program. Confidentiality is paramount. Stephen Ministers do not acknowledge their Care Receivers or their situations to others, but Care Receivers are free to speak out if they wish.
Could you or someone you know benefit from a Stephen Minister’s help through a difficult time? If so, contact Judy Ingram (336-407-3986), Wilba Brady (336-723-6236), Rev. Craig Ford (ext. 1353), or Rev. Susannah Pittman (ext. 1357). Trained and caring help is available through Centenary’s Stephen Ministry.
What Happens After I Make a Request?
Following a request, a Stephen Ministry referrals coordinator will contact the person and have a meeting to determine the need and if it is appropriate for Stephen Ministry (Some situations require professional help). Generally, Stephen Ministers meet with their Care Receivers weekly at a time and place of convenience for the Care Receiver.
The average length of a Stephen Ministry relationship is about 1 year. However, there have been some relationships completed in 6 weeks or less, while others may go on for several years. The important thing is that the relationship is moving forward toward the goal of the Care Receiver being able to go it alone and feel confident about the progress that has been made and what the future holds. Prayer is an essential part of this process.
A Testimony
A recent Care Receiver who is a member of Centenary shared the following comment about the experience:
“Thank you for seeing me through this storm. I really enjoyed getting to know you and feel blessed that our paths have crossed. You have a gentle listening ear, and it felt so good to connect with a member of our church family during such a trying time. You are doing wonderful, important work as a Stephen Minister.”