It's a ministry of action: Walking, Praying, Caring, Loving, Meeting. The Stephen Ministry program, first founded in 1975, is designed to provide training and resources to dedicated lay-people for confidential, one-to-one Christian care within our congregation and community.
Not totally new to Trinity (we have had in the past a number of trained Stephen Ministers), the Stephen Ministry program will be reintegrated this fall under the tutelage of James Kirkland, installed today as the new Stephen Leader. Beginning in September, potential Stephen Ministers will engage in 50 hours of intensive training to equip them for ministry to anyone in the community who desires support during a difficult period.
We all experience challenges in life, and the Stephen Ministry program benefits those faced with loss, hospitalization, divorce, spiritual crisis, terminal illness, lonliness, and many other times when life seems too difficult to handle alone. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; the identity of those receiving care is absolutely private.
The most important aspect of Stephen Ministry is our role as members of Trinity and the greater community: "Filled up-poured out", for sure. We can pray for hope and healing through this ministry, we can accept care from a Stephen Minister in a time of need, we can refer hurting and broken individuals to the program. Most of all, if you are a compassionate listener, you can prayerfully and carefully consider becoming a Stephen Minister yourself.
Trinity's Stephen Ministry program is accepting applications for the upcoming fall class. Please contact James Kirkland with questions or comments regarding the program at deacon4u@alaska.net. Or, for information about Stephen Ministry as an organization, visit their web site HERE.
Remember what we heard this morning? YOU ARE the Light. Why hide it under a bushel basket? Shine.
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