First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood

 What is Stephen Ministry?

• Christ caring for people through people  (Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”)
• A complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one confidential Christian care to hurting people in and around our congregation for as long as they need it
• An addition to our other ministries (It does not replace any of them.)

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is:

• a caregiver;
• a child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
• a Caring Christian friend who really listens;
• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively confidential Christian care.

Who might need a Stephen Minister?

Anyone coping while going through difficult times (loss of a loved one, medical or family problems, divorce, etc.) but who needs someone to care, listen, and share God’s love with them on a one-to-one confidential basis.

How does someone request a Stephen Minister for themselves or for others?

The central value of Stephen Ministry is finding people who are hurting and providing them with one-on-one Christian care.  Finding those people and matching them with the best available Stephen Minister is called “The Referrals Process.” Jean Treleaven, our Referrals Coordinator, explains that to make a referral, simply follow these three steps:

1. If you know someone who you think might benefit from this ministry talk to them directly.
2. Ask permission to give their name and number to Jean.
3. Call Jean, 713.298.1308, with that person’s name and number.

All of the information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. No one but Lisa will know whom, or if, someone is paired with a Stephen Minister.

For additional information, please contact one of the SML Team Members:

Meagan Arrick..........281.324.6213

Carolyn Davis...........281.361.3292

Sharon Keifer...........281.360.2343

Jack Morrison...........281.852.1381

Jean Treleaven.........713.298.1308

Latest News

During the past year we have learned a lot about how this ministry serves Christ by helping those who are hurting. Through our first year, Stephen Ministers cared for almost a dozen people with heavy burdens who have already been helped and continue to be helped by these Christian caregivers. We can all be very thankful for this and to know that this ministry is what it is intended to be:

• Christ caring for people through people (Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”)
• a complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one confidential Christian care to hurting people in and around our congregation for as long as they need it
• an addition to our other ministries (It does not replace any of them.)

Stephen Ministry WE NEED YOU!
Your willingness is the only necessary prerequisite. We will teach you the rest. Please prayerfully consider becoming part of this vibrant loving ministry. Applications are available at the church office or at the Stephen Ministry table in fellowship hall.

Please click on the link below to view an excellent 7 minute overview of Stephen Ministry prepared by PBS.

 http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/april-9-2010/stephen-ministries/6044/

Stephen Ministry Applications
Applications to serve as a Stephen Minister and to attend the required training will be accepted until late Summer. If you are a good listener and compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team Leader member Jean Treleaven at 713.298.1308.