 | are congregation members
who are recruited, selected, trained, commissioned, and supervised
by Stephen Leaders to provide one-to-one Christian care to persons
in need on behalf of the congregation. |
| are typically assigned
one care receiver at a time and they meet with that person for about
one hour each week. |
| are caring Christian
friends who really listen. |
| are usually committed
to serve for two years, which includes an initial 50 hours of training. |
| pray for you and with
you, if you wish. |
| are supervised during
twice-monthly peer-group and continuing education sessions. |
| maintain confidentiality
with their care receiver. What a care receiver tells a Stephen Minister
remains confidential. Even in supervision, the names of care receivers
and specific details are never discussed. |
| help you explore feelings. |
| are not counselors.
They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and
to care-not to counsel or advise. |
| are not problem solvers. |
| are not sent out on
'cold calls'. |
| are not meant to replace
pastoral care, but to supplement it. |
| are not people who
run errands or help with chores. |
| are not casual visitors. |
| are also trained to
recognize when a care receiver's needs go beyond the care a Stephen
Minister can provide and where and how to refer the care receiver
for additional care. |
| attend to the caregiving
process and leave the results to God |
