Stephen Ministers: The “After People”
Frequently friends will ask. “I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?” I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are “After People.”
Stephen Ministers are there:
…after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
…after the last child honks the horn, waves and drives away – and the house seems incredibly empty
…after you arrive home from the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
…after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
…after the doctors have said, “There is nothing more we can do.”
…after the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
…after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” We are ready to come along side you – or your friends or relatives - and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed.
If you feel you might need care from a Stephen Minister, please contact Gordy Gauss, leader of St. Matthew’s Stephen Ministry, at .
The mission of the St. Matthew Stephen Ministry is to provide support in a confidential and nurturing environment to those who are hurting, by equipping laypersons affirmed in their call to this service of caregiving. Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who work one-on-one with those who are working through a crisis or difficult time. Congregation members who might need care from a Stephen Minister are those who are experiencing divorce, grief, loss of a job, loneliness, hospitalization, terminal illness or any number of other life difficulties.
In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”.
We have many opportunities to respond to Jesus’ great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is one way our church shows that love to people who have deep needs for care.
You can find out more about Stephen Ministry by taking a look at their web site at www.stephenministry.org.
Stephen Ministry Training Class. In John 15:12, Jesus says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Loving one another is not just the pastor’s job – its something Jesus calls us all to do!! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who most need it.
For more information on how to become a Stephen Minister, call the church office at 480-838-7309, or .