Weekly training classes will start soon, with a informational meeting late Summer/early Fall.
For detailed information, please contact Jerry Bowden. We hope to see you there.
To quote Lane, “Our world is filled with people who need encouragement.” We invite you to be a Barnabas and walk alongside so many who need to hear the reassurance that God is with them, “every step of the way.”
Some real-life crises examples are experiencing grief, depression, personal injury or illness, death and dying, hospitalization, aging, long-term care, marital concerns or divorce or broken relationships, pregnancy, childbirth, job change or loss, retirement and the need of a listening Christian friend, etc.
What is the history of Stephen Ministry?
Started in 1975, Kenneth Haugk, an ordained minister and clinical psychologist, picked Stephen (Acts 6:1-7) as the emblem for the lay, caregiving program. Since 1975 over 7,000 congregations from 90 denominations and 20 countries have been enrolled and over 34,000 Stephen Leaders and 250,000 Stephen Ministers have been trained.
What do Stephen Ministers do?
Provide quality, confidential, one-to-one ministry as trained, caring church members reaching out to others in a time of need. The caring relationship is always male-to-male and female-to-female for those in need age 18 and older.
Receive support, guidance and supervision from Stephen Leaders and from each other in order to maintain Christian care to others. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and provide support.
What are the responsibilities of a Stephen Minister?
After being commissioned as a Stephen Minister you will need to attend bi-monthly supervision groups and continuing education.
One-to-one caring relationships, hospital visits and other voluntary opportunities are the responsibility of a Stephen Minister.
Stephen Ministers are required to commit to a 24-month term for consistency in a caring relationship.
What a Stephen Minister is not.
A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem-solver or a casual visitor.
What do I do to become a Stephen Minster?
If you are willing to assume the responsibilities of a Stephen Minister and wish to be considered for the upcoming training class, you should complete an application form and return it as soon as possible to a Stephen Leader or Patricia Chiroux in the church office. You must be a member of Roswell Presbyterian Church.
Willingness to give of oneself and servanthood is vital. The level of one’s education is not important, but the level of commitment to Christ and one’s desire to really care for others are very important.
Attend and participate in a 50-hour training program. Classes meet one night be week for approximately 2½ hours for 20 weeks. After training is completed you will be commissioned as a Stephen Minister.
We will be conducting fifty hours of special training starting October 2005 and concluding February 2006. The training will develop your skills at listening, encouraging, being empathetic, and praying with and for care receivers. It will also teach you what is NOT required as a caregiver and how to recognize and obtain professional help when it is needed.
What topics are covered in the training?
• The art of listening
• Dealing with feelings
• Sharing distinctively Christian caring resources
• Remaining process-oriented
• Relating assertively
• Maintaining boundaries
• Recommending professional care when necessary
• Confidentiality
What you can do now.
Prayerfully consider becoming a part of the Stephen Minister in our church. Whether you would like to become a Stephen Minister or Stephen Leader, please contact a Stephen Leader.
Who are the current Stephen Leaders?
Bill Buttrick, Chair
Bev Burrell
Jerry Bowden
C.C. Campbell
Rowena Martin-Head
Debbie Sheppard
Tom Spraker
Jennifer Squires
Pauline Walker
Margaret Turney-Ayer, Associate Pastor
How do I request a Stephen Minister?
If you have need for a Stephen Minister for yourself, please contact Rowena Martin-Head, 770/642-0539, or Margaret Turney-Ayer, 770/993-6316. If someone you know could use a Stephen Minister, please share this information with them and have them contact John or Margaret directly. You may discuss with either of them the need and a Stephen Minister will only be assigned with the direct permission and conditions of the prospective care receiver. This program is under strict and complete confidence.
The Stephen Ministry invites change in human hearts. Through it, the gospel of God’s care for the world in Jesus Christ is at work. This ministry is a demonstration of how God comes to us through other people, and how God comes to other people through us.
Bill Buttrick, Chair
Bev Burrell
Jerry Bowden
C.C. Campbell
Rowena Martin-Head
Debbie Sheppard
Tom Spraker
Jennifer Squires
Pauline Walker
Margaret Turney-Ayer, Associate Pastor
