Stephen Ministry

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Greater Chicago Church's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in this house and those around us who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

A Stephen Minister is...

  • A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
  • A congregation member with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve in this role
  • A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
  • A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages

  • Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver; meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's need

STEPHEN MINISTERS CARE FOR PEOPLE FACING TOUGH TIMES.

We all experience challenges in life -- times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:

  • Loss of a Loved One
  • Hospitilization
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Loneliness or Discouragement
  • Spiritual Crisis
  • Unemployment or a Job Crisis
  • A Terminal Illness
  • Incarcaration
  • Aging
  • Birth, Adoption, Miscarriage or Infertility
  • A Chronic Illness
  • Relocation
  • Recovery After Accident / Disaster
  • And many more

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY

You play an important role in Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:

PRAY for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry

ACCEPT CARE from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.

TELL A FRIEND, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.

If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

TO RECEIVE HELP OR LEARN HOW TO HELP

Email stephen@greaterchicagochurch.com

Or call the church office 708.660.0013 x234

 

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide. www.stephenministries.org