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Stephen ministers provide care for persons experiencing:
* Loss … death of loved one or friend, home/possessions, self esteem.
* Relationship stress … marital, parenting, job, social.
* Accident/illness of relative or friend … hospitalization, chronic or terminal illness, institutionalization.
* Life crisis ... accident, medical diagnosis or condition , natural disaster, divorce/separation, job loss, unplanned or
unsuccessful pregnancy, feelings of failure, despondency, shaken spiritual faith, etc.
* Life transition … relocation/new to community, new to congregation, marriage, children leaving home, retirement,
change of job/employer, birth/adoption, etc.
* Other … being disabled, homebound, confined, single parent; feeling bereaved, sad, lonely, discouraged; related to
or caring for persons experiencing any of the above.
Formal relationship with a Stephen Minister generally lasts for about a year, though it may be for a shorter or longer period. It typically proceeds through distinct steps/phases:
1. Initiate contact by speaking to Pastor Gary or contacting a Stephen Minister (they wear blue Stephen-Minister
nametags on Sundays). You can initiate contact on behalf of another member of Peace, or a non-member.
2. Contact will be referred to Pastor Gary, Referrals Coordinator, who will meet in confidence with you or
other potential care receiver to discuss the caring situation and clarify confidentiality and supervision.3. Assigned Stephen Minister will contact care receiver to set up their first meeting.
4. Stephan Minister and care receiver normally meet weekly, at a mutually-agreeable time and place, for about an hour.
5. Formal relationship will be brought to a close when Stephen Minister and care receiver agree that the purpose for the
relationship has been met.
To discuss Stephen Ministry care contact Pastor Gary Lange (830-620-0618), or any Stephen Minister