Stephen Ministry

DECATUR FIRST IS A STEPHEN MINISTRY CHURCH

What is Stephen Ministry?

A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need
A structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.
An opportunity to reach out to others: the lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the bereaved, new people in town, those hospitalized and
convalescing, the divorced, the aged.
An on-going helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability, and confidentiality.
A meaningful way for our church to use more fully our many talents in sharing one another's burdens and cares.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the concern and care of Christ in community to people in need.People who come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds.

Caring and sharing Christians desiring to offer their help/support to others in time of need.

Trained Christians, having developed their helping skills through intensive coursework.

Dedicated Christians, commissioned by our church to confidential, intentional caring.

Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists; experts in law, medicine, or church doctrine; or social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither are they superficial "visitors" who merely "drop-in" from time to time.

How are Stephen Ministers trained?

Stephen Ministers receive approximately fifty hours of training, based solidly on Biblical teaching and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences, before beginning their caregiving work.

The training topics are really "practical theology." Just a few of the topics are:

The Art of Listening; How to Use the Bible with Others; Confidentiality; Ministry to the Dying, Depressed, Older Persons, and Grieving. Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety of related subjects.

What happens when you ask for a Stephen Minister yourself or a friend?

For Yourself: Someone will contact you to talk more about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. Then, you will be matched with a Stephen Minster, who will listen and support you through this tough time. This whole process is completely CONFIDENTIAL. No one knows what you talk about with you Stephen Minster except the two of you.

For Someone Else: You may know someone in crisis who doesn't know where to turn. Tense, upset, worn out, needing someone to talk with, someone to care. You'd like to help. But how? There are three easy steps.

First, listen and care for your friend in your own relationship together.

Second, ask him or her for permission to report the need. Be sure to tell your friend that everything will be completely confidential.

Third, report his or her need as promptly as possible. You can do this by contacting the church at 404.378.4541.

When I report a need for care, how can I help to keep it confidential?

Confidentiality is the foundation of Stephen Ministry. No one but the person involved and his or her Stephen Minister knows what they talk about. As you report a need, you are the first important link in this process of confidentiality. You can help maintain confidentiality by:

never talking about a need unless you have permission from the person to mention it;

never asking a Stephen Minister about the caring relationship he or she is part of;

telling others about Stephen Ministry and then asking permission to report their needs.

I’m interested in becoming a Stephen Minister. What kind of commitment will I need to make?

Obviously, being a Stephen Minister will require a commitment of time and effort in the service of helping other people. A two-year commitment is necessary. This will include a 50 hour training course which will lead to commissioning. After commissioning, in addition to your service as a Stephen Minister, one or two meetings a month of at least two hours will be held for guidance and further education.

Being a Stephen Minister will bring many unexpected blessings into your life...

You will grow in the understanding of your own Christian calling as well as the privilege of working closely with others in helping relationships.

You will experience the fellowship of a warm, loving and caring group of people.

You will know you are a vital part of the Body of Christ C the living church.

The skills you receive as a part of the Stephen Ministry training are applicable not only to a lay caring ministry but also in your everyday life experiences and relationships with others.

How do I apply for Stephen Ministry training?

After your prayerful consideration, come by or call the church office for an information packet and application form. After returning your completed application, you will be contacted for an interview.

Stephen Minister Training

Curently, dates for a new training class have not been set. Interest and/or need will determine when one is next scheduled.