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Serve as a Stephen Minister

Dear Friends,

As Pastor Jim mentioned in worship this past weekend, Good Shepherd is now in the midst of starting a new class for perspective Stephen Ministers. We are looking for find men and women of our congregation willing to answer Jesus’ call to serve as new Stephen Ministers, which begins with 50 hours of stimulating and useful training in Christian caring skills. This training will be led by Pastor Paul, Marie Crenshaw and Carol Wasson. Roberta Ramont, our other Leadership Member, will continue to oversee our current Stephen Ministers in Supervision and Continuing Education each month.

We are all trained Stephen Leaders and the class will include a variety of topics such as listening, Christian assertiveness, maintaining boundaries in care giving, and grief. The training is distinctively Christian and focuses on God as the one who cures as we care.

When the Stephen Ministers have completed their training, they will be commissioned and ready to begin their ministry. Working under supervision, these Stephen Ministers will be available to meet weekly with persons experiencing such problems as these:

  • Bereavement
  • Terminal illness
  • Job Loss
  • Single parenting
  • Natural disasters
  • Long-term hospitalization

Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for training, service and regular supervision. Many Stephen Ministers enjoy their ministry so much that they choose to serve beyond the two years.

While being a Stephen Minister requires commitment of time and effort, it also brings joy and fulfillment. It may be one of the most rewarding challenges you will ever embrace. In addition, you will use the skills your learn not only in your caring ministry, but also in your everyday relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Think and pray about this opportunity. If you decide you would like to be a Stephen Minister, please contact me at or 562/493.2553 x105 right away and we can talk about how you can get started. Training for this exciting ministry will start on Tuesday September 18, 2012 at 6:30pm.

We are excited to see what God is going to do in the lives of those who undertake this ministry and in the lives of those who will receive care from our Stephen Ministers.

Blessings,
Marie

P.S. You will also grow spiritually when your serve as a Stephen Minister. When God calls you to service, he also gives you the faith and the gifts you need to do his will!

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