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Training and organizing lay persons to provide one-to-one Christian care in and around congregations.
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"Love one another?"
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
In the initial and ongoing training of Stephen Ministers there is a constant reminder: God is the "Curegiver." The Stephen Minister is simply, the "caregiver." Stephen Ministers are trained to allow God to do the work. They are to be His arms, His legs, His heart to those and for those they minister to. It is natural for us to try to "fix" whatever problem of concern someone has.
Stephen Ministers are to love as Jesus loves, to reflect His love to others. My Bible reference says that, "love is more than simply warm feelings. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it's not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts form others without complaining or fighting back." He wants us to love by listening, helping, encouraging, and giving to those around us.
Stephen Ministers humble themselves before the Lord and allow Him to guide. They lay aside personal feelings. They dedicate time exclusively for care receivers and continuing education and support from leadership. This response to suffering makes not only Stephen Ministers, but Christians, unique. Our understanding of God leads to very practical and compassionate actions toward others, especially those who are hurting.
The Word of God teaches (commands) us to love Him and love each other. When we are truly a reflection of God in this world, loving each other comes naturally. 1st Corinthians 13 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Please read the words of 1 Corinthians again, inserting Jesus' Name in place of love. Then take another moment to repeat this exercise, inserting your own name in place of love. This can be a very moving or disturbing experience.
Stephen Ministers always protect their care receiver's privacy. They quietly trust and hope in the Lord. They support and encourage each other in love. Stephen Ministers depend on God's grace as they support and encourage others.
Pastor Fausel recently spoke about God's Grace. His sermon especially spoke to the heart of allowing God to do His work to heal. The Old Testament reading was from Isaiah 55 where in Pastor's words, "Isaiah used rain and snow to tell us about the workings of God's Word. God's Word of love for us?words that move and change the hearts of people."
A Stephen Minister stays in the Word of God in order to be guided and encouraged in helping others.
For more information regarding Our Savior's Stephen Ministry Program, please contact a member of our team or call the church office. |
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