Stephen Ministry

What Is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are faithful Christians sent by God to help you through a life crisis.

 They are filled with God’s love and knowledge, which you will find quite priceless.

 They’ll walk closely with you and be your trusted friend.

 Keeping everything in confidence until you’re whole again.

 Maybe you’ve lost a loved one or job on which you depend,

 It could be a serious illness, and you feel you need a friend.

 So you don’t have to go it alone when life’s challenges you must bear.

 Just let them know of your need, and a Stephen Minister will be there.

 Get in touch with the pastor, Alan or Sandra Harvey if you feel the

 need of a Stephen Minister

 

Stephen Ministry Seeks Additional Leaders

One of the best courses on how to administer a caring lay ministry in the local church is the one-week course for Stephen Leaders offered by Stephen Ministry.  The current Stephen Leaders of Bethany Church, Alan and Sandra Harvey and Rev. Steve Young, are looking for one or more persons to avail themselves of training to become Stephen Leaders here.  The training is held at a variety of locations in the U.S. at a variety of times during the year.  The church will pay for the cost of the training; the responsibility of the trainee is to then serve as a Stephen Leader of Bethany Church for a minimum of two years.  Please let one of our Stephen Leaders know of your interest.

 

Bethany is a Stephen Ministry Church.  Stephen Ministry equips lay members of our congregation to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to persons in our church and community who are experiencing life's difficult circumstances.  Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training in caring ministry skills and concepts.  After being commissioned, they receive continuing education and peer group supervision.
    Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry.  The identity of those receiving care and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.  Stephen Ministers at Bethany are available to minister in times of illness, loss of a loved one, loneliness, a job crisis, separation and divorce, birth or adoption, spiritual crisis, and similar life needs.