Ebenezer’s Stephen Ministry was formed in 2005. Currently we have three Stephen Leaders who sheppard the program. In addition we have six Stephen Ministers who help those in need of care in our church and are available to those in our community.
We are often thought of as the “After People”. We come in and provide Christian care after a person has suffered a loss. Examples of losses include the passing of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce and life transitions.
Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kings of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister. These needs include but are not limited to–hospitalization, the terminally ill and their families, the homebound, separation or divorce, job loss, life transitions, birth or adotption, grief issues, or those needing Christian support. This ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.
Stephen Ministry also offers programs by guest speakers throughout the year and has started a Widows/Widowers support group.
The Core Purpose (Mission) of Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministries’ Core Purpose is summed up in the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
The Core Values of Stephen Ministries
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Incarnational theology
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Ministry as the privilege and responsibility of all God’s people
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Empowering those we serve to get excellent results
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Personal humility
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Organizational stability
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Positive work environment