Our Ministries
CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE
THROUGH PEOPLE
Stephen Ministry
We, the Stephen Ministers at Annandale
United Methodist Church in Annandale, Va., appreciate your interest in
this ministry. Here is a summary of the program. If you have particular
questions please contact the
office by e-mail or call her at our church office, (703) 256-8330
or ask for a pastor.
Stephen Ministry is . .
.
A new program of our congregation at
Annandale United Methodist Church that equips lay persons to
provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing life's needs.
Stephen Ministry is a
confidential ministry where
those receiving care can be certain their identity and what goes on in the
caring relationship will remain private.
Stephen Ministry connects people in
need with people who care. Through the one-to-one caring relationships,
those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support
them.
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Stephen Ministry helps meet the
needs of . . . |
| the
hospitalized
the terminally ill and their
families
the homebound and
institutionalized
those with a job crisis
those facing life
transitions
those needing support of a
Christian friend |
the aging and
elderly
those with disabilities and
their families
the separated or
divorced
the lonely or depressed
those grieving a death or
serious loss
households experiencing birth
or adoption |
Stephen Ministers are
committed Christian people who . . .
- express God's care through their
lives and others
- have received 50 hours of initial
training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
- have agreed to serve at least two
years in the ministry
- are committed to preserving the
confidential nature of the caring relationship
- participate in regular support and
supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
- receive continuing education and
skill building throughout their years of service
Our Stephen Ministers work together
with our pastors in order to reach more people with Christian care than the
pastors can reach by themselves.
A Stephen Minister is .
. .
- a caring friend who offers support
in times of need
- a non-judgmental
listener
- a confidential partner who shares
your walk with you
A Stephen Minister is not
. . .
- a counselor or a
therapist
- a casual visitor who "drops in"
now and then
- someone who will try to "fix" the
problem
There are times when each of us needs
the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! Out of a
caring relationship one need only open themselves
to:
- receive quality Christian based
care within a completely confidential relationship
- willingly accept and value
ministry from a lay person by allowing them to utilize their caring gifts to
share God's love
- be aware of the opportunity for a
deepened relationship with their Lord
How do I receive the
services of a Stephen Minster?
If you or someone you know is in need
of a Stephen Minister, all you need to do is contact:
- the church office at (703) 256-8330
and ask to speak to a pastor.
- All contacts are absolutely confidential.
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Our Ministries
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