Grace Lutheran Church: stephen ministry

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Stephen Ministry

Since 1975, St. Louis-based Stephen Ministries has been helping congregations equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry in today's world. Stephen Ministries was founded by Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, after seeing that individuals in his congregation and community needed care that far exceeded what he alone could provide. Since then Stephen Ministry programs have been implemented in more than 9,000 congregations, representing more than 100 Christian denominations. More than 450,000 laypersons have been trained as Stephen Ministers, and they in turn have ministered to nearly a million care receivers.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Grace Lutheran Church has been providing Christian care through Stephen Ministries since 1993. Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-on-one caring relationships and other services, those who are hurting receive Christian love and encouragement at times when they may find it difficult to cope with life's challenges.

Times when you might need a Stephen Minister

When life is more than you can handle on your own.
When your health, attitude or relationships are suffering.
When you are struggling to make a major adjustment, such as a new job, change in marital status, serious illness, loss of a loved one, or a recent move.
When you are lonely, in a spiritual crisis, or looking for a caring Christian friend.

Who is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is a member of our congregation who has been trained to provide distinctively Christian care. A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist or someone who is there to solve your problems. Stephen Ministers are there to be with you on a regular basis—to listen and to care, to encourage, pray and walk alongside you during difficult times. Receiving support from a Stephen Minister is confidential, free and very helpful.

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training, and then participate in regular monthly supervision and training. Stephen Ministry leaders, as well as Grace's pastors, are available to provide Stephen Ministers with additional guidance as needed.

Other Stephen Ministry services

Every Sunday a Stephen Minister is available in the Grace atrium after the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services to talk and pray with those needing support and encouragement.
Care Notes—booklets on a variety of topics like loneliness and grief—are available on the table in the Grace narthex. Parishioners are encouraged to take them for their own use or to share with others.
Journeying through Grief, a series of four short books, are provided over the course of a year to people who have experienced a significant loss.

If you would like to request a Stephen Minister

Please contact one of the pastors or the church secretary.

To become a Stephen Minister

Training classes for new Stephen Ministers are held every other year. The next class begins early in 2007. To learn more, please speak with one of the pastors or a Stephen Ministry Leader.

Finding comfort and support in scripture

Here are some bible passages to read in difficult times.

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Grace Lutheran Church & School � 7300 Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305 � (708) 366-6900 � info@graceriverforest.org