Learn about how to become a Stephen Minister . . .
Becoming a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministry is a Christian compassion ministry wherein lay people provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around our congregation.
In Stephen Ministry congregations, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps pastors and congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.
The Stephen Ministry of Belmont’s First Presbyterian Church will be offering the annual 50-hour Training Class beginning January 8, 2008. Classes are held weekly for two hours and provides a unique opportunity to learn about Christian care giving through instruction, skills application and support from Stephen Leaders and fellow students. Those who successfully complete the Stephen Ministry training program will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers in the Spring of 2008.
Please see the attached syllabus for exact dates and information on each session and the overall training program. Please consider the schedule carefully in deciding to enroll in Stephen Ministry training. While attendance at each session is very important, we understand absences will occur. We will be videotaping classes to insure that those who miss particular sessions can make-up the material when absent; however, multiple absences inhibit the ability of the class to develop a sense of community, so we are hopeful no one will miss except when it is absolutely unavoidable.
Please give your participation in Stephen Ministry your thoughtful prayer and consideration. If you decide you can are ready to consider exploring Stephen Ministry through participation in the spring Stephen Ministry Training Class, you may complete your confidential application on-line by completing the form online, or download the application form and return it to the church office addressed to “Sam Warner”. The form was developed by the national office of Stephen Ministry as an instrument to assist individuals in clarifying personal gifts and a sense of call to this caregiving ministry. Please answer briefly as many question as you can. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by a member of our church’s Stephen Ministry Leadership Team (SMLT) for a personal meeting. If prior to this meeting you have any questions or concerns about Stephen Ministry, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the SMLT.
If you have further questions regarding Stephen Ministry, please contact any member of the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team:
