A MESSAGE FROM REV. Sue Bennetch: Stephen Ministry Returns to FPCB
“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
For many years the Stephen Ministry supported our congregation by providing care for those who were hurting. Our trained Stephen Ministers met one-to-one with adults in our congregation to support them during a difficult time.
This ministry then took a break. Today, I am happy to announce its return!
On Thursday, September 12 we will kick off our reorganized, revitalized, renewed group of Stephen Ministers under the capable leadership of
Phil Clauser, a trained Stephen Ministry Leader. We will celebrate our return, do some housekeeping and be reunited with our team.
As part of this program, we will then meet regularly for continuing education and skill enhancement. Through this continued training Stephen Ministers are equipped and empowered lay-caregivers who provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to those we serve.
The seven previously-trained Stephen Ministry members will once again begin meeting with those in need of this program. They will meet with people (care-receivers) who may be experiencing grief, job loss, illness or other challenges. They will walk with someone who may be going through a divorce, a difficult time in their marriage, or those who have been hospitalized, to give them support and encouragement.
Through these meetings our Stephen Ministers and their care-receiver develop a caring relationship and faithfully listen, empathize, pray with and for them, and encourage them with Christ’s love. We do not, however, take the place of a professional counselor.
So, if you or someone you know would benefit from a Stephen Minister, please let me or Phil know.
We ask you for prayers for our leaders, ministers and care-receivers as we once again provide this important ministry to our congregation.
Blessings,
Sue Bennetch
Pastoral Care Associate