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Stephen
Ministry |
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Christ Caring
For People Through People |
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Aldersgate's Stephen
Ministry Team
Click on photo for larger image |
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What Do
Stephen Ministers Do?
Stephen Minters are members of Aldersgate
who have gone through 50 hours of
training in providing high-quality, Christian care to individuals
experiencing a crises or
challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of job, hospitalization,
relocation or loneliness.
When someone requests a Stephen Minister,
Rose Smith, our Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, will meet with
that person, explain what Stephen Ministry is, and help determine
whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that person needs. Rose
would then match that person with one of our available Stephen
Ministers.
When Stephen Ministers are assigned a care receiver, they call that
person and begin meeting with that care receiver for about an hour per
week. This caring relationship will last for as long as the care
receiver needs it. Everything the care receiver says to his or her
Stephen Minister is kept confidential. The Stephen Minister doesn't
try to solve problems; rather, he or she listens, cares, prays, and
helps the care receiver find his or her path to healing and wholeness.
On November 14, 2004 the Aldersgate Stephen Ministry training was
completed with a commissioning service for our first group of Stephen
Ministers. Those commissioned were:
| Judy Alford * |
Paula Alford |
Debbie Edge |
| Anne Finch |
Vanessa Gordon |
Judy Maupin * |
| Linda Morris |
Nancy Newell |
Sandra Reynolds |
| Rose Smith * |
Mary Taylor |
Mary Ellen Rogers |
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*Trained
Stephen Leaders
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Who will
Benefit from the Stephen Series?
Everybody benefits from Stephen Ministry. Those receiving
care from Stephen Ministers benefit because they receive
prayer and support throughout the crises they face. Stephen
Ministers benefit through the spiritual growth they
experience from being involved in meaningful ministry. Our
pastors benefit because caring ministry at Aldersgate is
expanded, and fewer people will slip through the cracks.
Most of all YOU will benefit from the knowledge that special
care is available to you should you need it. In addition,
you now have a place where you can refer a friend, neighbor,
co- worker, relative, or anyone else you know who is going
through a difficult time so that they can receive special
care when they need it most. Stephen Ministry makes
Aldersgate a much more caring place.
In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to "carry each other's
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ." At Aldersgate our Stephen Ministers have been
trained and organized to do just that. They provide one to
one care, prayer, and support to those who are going
thorough a difficult time. If you should like more
information on our Stephen Ministry please contact Rose
Smith, Judy Alford or Judy Maupin.
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Testimonials: |
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►A Chance to Make a
Difference "I have always been a good listener and someone you
could depend on. As a Stephen Minister, I'm able to use these gifts to
do God's work. It is a wonderful feeling to make a difference in
someone's life and to have them say, ' Thank you for being there for
me.'"
William from
Bolingbrook, Illinois
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►Stephen
Ministers Gain Life Skills "Whether you're young or old, Stephen
Ministry will greatly enhance your life skills. My one regret is
having not become a Stephen Minister years ago."
Robert from Omaha,
Nebraska |
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►Stephen Ministry
Provides an Opportunity for Spiritual Growth "I feel empowered
and humbled to be part of a tem of people who can minister to the
needs of our fellow people. There is no greater joy than this for us."
George from
Arlington, Virginia |
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►The
Rewards of Stephen Ministry As a physician, I have observed many
times the positive effect of a simple gesture of concern for a
patient's well-being. The greatest gesture is that of a Stephen
Minister being able to place his hand on a care receiver's shoulder
and say, 'May God bless you!'"
Ben from Raleigh,
North Carolina |
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| Related Web Links: |
►
Stephen Ministry Home Page
►
Stephen Ministry Facts and Stats Page
►
Stephen Ministry in the News
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Bill Arnsparger
spent 23 seasons as an NFL coach with stops in Baltimore, Miami, New York
and San Diego. He currently serves as a Stephen Minister for Torrey Pines
Christian Church in La Jolla, California
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"Before I
retired from coaching, my team was in the Super Bowl six times. I thought
nothing would ever match that. Being a Stephen Minister has also been one
of the greatest experiences in my life," says Bill Arnsparger of Torrey
Pines Christian Church in La Jolla, California. Most recently Coach
Arnsparger was defensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers before
retiring in 1994.
During his career in professional sports,
Arnsparger had heard about Stephen Ministry several times. "I knew it was
important to have time to devote to this ministry," Arnsparger says. "So I
waited until the right time in my life to get involved. The hours I've
invested in Stephen Ministry have brought me closer to the Lord and to
others in my congregation."
"I find
serving as a Stephen Minister very rewarding," says Coach Arnsparger, who
encourages other men to serve. "It's an opportunity to work with people
and really help them."
Occasionally
men wonder if Stephen Ministry is really right for them. Coach Arnsparger
shows that following Jesus' example in giving and receiving care is truly
a "sport for real men."
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