Stephen Ministry FAQ's:

1) What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is an international lay caregiving ministry grounded on Jesus' command to love one another.  Members of CPC who are called to this ministry commit to 50 hours of training to learn how to provide distinctively Christian care to members of our Congregation and community. They are also supervised by the leadership team consisting of Rev. Marsha Martin, Marsh Peters, Sam Turner and Kathy Dugan. All Stephen Ministers agree to an initial two-year committment.

2) What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister walks beside a hurting person as a caring Christian friend who really listens while bringing Christ's healing love to those who are grieving, in crisis or experiencing other stressful situations.  Typically, a Stephen Minister meets weekly for about an hour with their care receiver and also may call, send notes of encouragement and offer other such appropriate contact. 

3) How can I get a Stephen Minister?

Simply leave a confidential message on the Stephen Ministry line at the church office at 648-2737 x314.  

4) Will my relationship with my Stephen Minister be confidential?

Absolutely!  Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the Stephen Ministry program. Only the referrals coordinator and the assigned Stephen Minister will know the care receiver's identity.  Stephen Ministers in a caring relationahip are carefully monitored through a peer-review process, all the while maintaining strict confidentiality.  The only time a Stephen Minister would ever break confidentiality is when there is a threat of danger to the care receiver or someone else or when there is suspectecd child abuse.

5) Does Stephen Ministry cost money?

No!

6) How might I look into being trained as a Stephen Minister?

You will need to be a member of CPC and must apply and be interviewed by some of the leaders who will help you determine whether or not Stephen Ministry is a good fit for you. Once selected you would begin training. We conduct training sessions beginning in the fall and running through January. If you are sensing a calling to this ministry please contact one of the leaders or simply call the Stephen Ministry hotline (648-2737 x314).

7) If I became a Stephen Minister would I have to spend money on the person I am caring for (the care receiver)?

No, you are not expected to spend any money whatsoever on the care receiver.  You are also not expected to personally provide any other specific services, such as transportation or babysitting, for example.  As a Stephen Minister, you may at times assist in arranging for such services.

8) As a Stephen Minister would my phone ring constantly?

No, You would care for one care receiver at a time.  If this person were to begin calling too often, you would learn to respond in a loving, assertive manner.

9) What if I get in over my head, with a person who needs more care than I can provide?

You will never be knowingly assigned to people who might be in those situations.  The Stephen Ministry training also helps you to know exactly when and how to help your care receiver get professional help when necessary.  The Supervision Group, the Stephen Leaders and the pastors are also there to help you to make such decisions.

10) How would I personally benefit from this experience?

You will learn many skills that will be valuable in your personal life as well as in your Stephen Ministry.  Also, the satisfaction of helping another person is a wonderful blessing.

11) Would I have to stop being a Stephen Minister after two years?

No, many people decide to continue as Stephen Ministers after two years. They may also decide to step back for a specified time period (Ready Reserve) and then resume their involvement as a Stephen Minister at a later time.

12) Who will be the care receivers?

Members of the congregation who are experiencing times of special need and other people within our community who may turn to us for help.

13) Are other people as scared as I seem to be about this undertaking?

Probably so!  But the training will eliminate much of this fear because you will not only learn what to say but also, and more importantly,  how to listen.