GETHSEMANE STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who:

• Express God’s care through their lives to others;
• Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• Serve for at least two years;
• Receive continuing education and skill building through their years of service.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and anything that is shared in the caring relationship will remain private.

On October 4, 2006, Gethsemane Stephen Ministers began their seventh training class with five people who will become Stephen Ministers in February, 2007, after their 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts have been completed.

Gethsemane Stephen Ministers meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center, for Peer Supervision and Continuing Education.

Leadership Training – Leaders’ have attended a week-long Leader’s Training Course and have been commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation. The Gethsemane Leadership Team consists of Sandy Hutchinson, Barb Voelker, Sharyn Buddenhagen, Kathie Stocker and Jan Barry.

To learn more about receiving care from a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor John Krueger at 480-839-0906, or Kathie Stocker (Referral Coordinator) at 602-955-4941 or any Stephen Leader.

"Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2