Stephen Ministry

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministers are trained lay people who are commissioned by our congregation to serve in an one-on-one confidential caring ministry. The ministry is in response to Christ's instructions "to love one another as I have loved you." It is a committed relationship focusing on the unique needs of persons for in-depth caring.

Stephen Ministers provide effective care to those who are experiencing hospitalization, terminal illness, being homebound, job loss, some life transition, separation or divorce, birth or adoption, loneliness and depression, grief, struggles with God and many other difficulties that one can face in life.

Currently, St. Paul's has 18 active people in the Stephen Ministry Program. Twenty four care receivers are being assisted. Since the inception of the Stephen Ministry Program at St. Paul's in May 1994, 35 care receivers have been assisted.

The following situations have been handled by St. Paul's Stephen Ministers:

1. Anger
2. Bereavement
3. Overly controlling
4. Declining health (physical and mental)
5. Depression
6. Divorce
7. Family/domestic problems
8. Guilt
9. Health problems
10. Isolation
11. Loneliness
12. Loss of independence
13. Loss of unborn child
14. Marital problems
15. Parent of child with serious illness
16. Parent/child relationship
17. Self-centeredness
18. Separation from Spouse
19. Serious illness
20. Spiritual concerns
21. Spouse with declining health/serious illness
22. Work-related problems

In many instances, care receivers have multiple types of problems.

Stephen Ministries would be happy to provide you with free information about their programs.

Write: Stephen Ministries,
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive,
St. Louis, Missouri 63114-5765
Call: 314-428-2600 or Fax Request: 314-428-7888

Visit their web site at: www.stephenministries.org If you or someone you know is in need of a Stephen Minister, or you would like to learn more about the St. Paul's program call us at (301) 933-7933 or send e-mail.