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Becoming a Stephen Minister
Need a Stephen Minister?
Testimonial
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At age 28, John
thought of himself as invincible. A former high school football player,
he was a single man with a good-paying job. He was healthy and was enjoying
life. Everything seemed to be going well for him.
But over the course of three years, it all eroded away. First he lost
his job when the company he worked for was bought out and the plant
closed down. Six months later he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Still without a job, he moved back in with his parents to conserve expenses.
A year later his father, with whom he was especially close, died of
a heart attack. His mother's deteriorating health declined faster, and
she soon entered a nursing home.
"Things had been going so well for me. Then the rug was pulled
out from under me. Not just once, but again and again. I felt like there
was a big hole in my life," John recalled.
One day, while visiting his mother at the nursing home, John ran into
one of the deacons from his church. At the time John saw it as a chance
encounter, but looking back he now sees God's hand in it. Reflecting
on that seemingly accidental meeting, John said, "I really didn't
know him that well, but we struck up a light conversation. I normally
keep things to myself, but suddenly I let go and told him everything
that was happening."
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As it turned out, the deacon was also one of the congregation's Stephen
Leaders. He told John about Stephen Ministry and soon matched John with
a Stephen Minister named Bob.
"I had second thoughts at first, but I quickly found Bob to be
very easy to talk to. He listened to me and understood what I was going
through. He offered support and encouragement and really helped me get
through some tough times," said John. "One of the biggest
things I was lacking was self-confidence. By accepting me for who I
was and ministering to my needs, Bob helped me regain the confidence
I once had."
John began taking computer classes at the community college to gain
some new occupational skills. He also became active in a local multiple
sclerosis support group. A marginal church member to begin with, he
now attends worship regularly and is active in the singles ministry.
His life is back on track and he is once again looking forward to the
future.
John is convinced that God brought Bob into his life. "He was just
what I needed at that time," said John. "We have since closed
out our Stephen Ministry relationship, but we still get together from
time to time as good friends.
"I want to encourage anyone who has a need to consider a Stephen
Minister. They're not there to judge you or tell you what to do. They
help you by listening and understanding your needs. They keep things
confidential and give you the spiritual support you need to fill whatever
the hole in your life may be. It's a lot like the care and acceptance
I read about Jesus giving in the Bible. A Stephen Minister has a little
bit of Jesus in him." |
