Bethlehem Lutheran Church is a Stephen Ministry Church. Through our Stephen Ministers, we are able to offer care to people experiencing a wide range of life`s challenges. Possibly the most important characteristic of the Stephen Ministry team: CONFIDENTIALITY – NO ONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING A STEPHEN MINISTER’S CARE. The organization is very emphatic that your identity will be unknown, even among the Stephen Ministry team. Another important tenet of the Stephen Ministry Organization is: only males can be a caregiver for males and only females can be a caregiver for females.
Think of us as “the after people”.
Offering care:
- After the loss of a loved one 5. Being a family caregiver
- During spiritual struggles 6. During a time of loneliness
- During and after a divorce 7. A comfort during a medical crisis
- After loss of a job 8. And many other needs for care
The Benefits of Stephen Ministry:
Pastors…have a team of trained lay caregivers to help them in handling the caregiving needs of the congregation.
Laypeople…are equipped for meaningful ministry that uses their spiritual gifts to provide invaluable care to those who are suffering.
Hurting people…receive much needed emotional and spiritual support in the midst of life’s struggles.
Stephen Ministers DO NOT give advice or make diagnoses; THEY DO offer care, comfort, and spiritual support, (prayer), by being with their care receivers an hour each week.
Our Logo illustrates our motto: Christ Caring for People Through People
