WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER? A Stephen Minister is… a caring Christian friend who really listens, someone who expresses God’s care to others through their lives, someone who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care, someone who is committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship. A Stephen Minister is not… a counselor or therapist a problem-solver a casual visitor a spiritual director

WHAT DOES A STEPHEN MINISTER DO? A Stephen Minister gives one–to–one Christian care. One-to–one: Stephen Ministers meet privately with one care receiver of the same gender, once a week for one hour. Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised by volunteers who have undergone extensive training but are not specifically professional counselors, therapists, pastors or physicians. Christian: Stephen Ministers are Christians who care in the name of Christ. They are willing to talk about spiritual issues but will not force them. Care: Stephen Minister care by listening, supporting and encouraging, praying, being dependable and trustworthy, and maintaining confidentiality in their caregiving.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the Stephen Ministry program.  Stephen Ministers and Leaders are committed to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality possible to protect the Care Receiver’s privacy. Only the Referral Coordinator, the assigned Stephen Minister and sometimes the Pastor will know the identity of a care receiver.
Stephen Ministers never identify an individual as their care receiver.
Care Receivers are free to disclose to anyone they choose that they have or have had a Stephen Minister.

BECOMING A STEPHEN MINISTER
Our congregation is one of more than 11,000 worldwide, representing 160 Christian denominations, that use the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry developed by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis.

Stephen Ministry training classes are started on a rolling basis as we evaluate the needs of the congregation. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister, watch for announcement in the bulletin or call the church (912-764-7589) for more information.

WHO ARE OUR STEPHEN MINISTERS?
Statesboro First’s ministry started in 2015 and several individuals have been trained as Stephen Ministers. These men and women have received 50 hours of specialized training in Christian care-giving and join a team of active Stephen Ministers serving our congregation and community.   Stephen Leaders are individuals who have gone through a rigorous training course in the practices and procedures and implementation of a successful Stephen Ministry.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR CONGREGATION’S STEPHEN MINISTRY?

• Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
• Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry.
• Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister--be sure to get that person’s permission first.
• Tell others in or outside of our community about the availability of our Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
• Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
• Enroll in training to become a Stephen Minister.