Someone to Walk With You: Stephen Ministry at St. B
Life has a way of bringing seasons we don’t expect. Sometimes we experience a major loss or a difficult transition. Sometimes we are dealing with illness, loneliness, family concerns, stress, or uncertainty. And sometimes, even when everything may look fine on the outside, we simply need someone to talk to—someone who will listen without judgment and walk alongside us.
This is the heart of the Stephen Ministry at St. Barnabas.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one Christian caregiving ministry. Trained Stephen Ministers are members of our parish who have been equipped to provide compassionate, confidential care to people who are going through a difficult time. A Stephen Minister isn’t a counselor, therapist, or problem-solver. Instead, a Stephen Minister offers something that can be just as important: a caring presence. Stephen Ministers listen. They encourage. They pray. They walk alongside another person and remind them that they don’t have to face a difficult season alone.
Who might benefit from Stephen Ministry?
There are many reasons someone might benefit from having a Stephen Minister. You may be:
Experiencing grief or loss
Going through a significant life transition
Dealing with illness or a long-term challenge
Feeling lonely or isolated
Caring for a family member
Facing stress, uncertainty, or difficult decisions
Adjusting to retirement or another major change
Simply looking for someone who will listen and care
You don’t have to be in crisis to receive care. Sometimes having someone walk beside us during an ordinary but difficult season can make all the difference.
Care in the spirit of Christ
At the center of Stephen Ministry is the belief that God often works through caring relationships. Our Stephen Ministers aren’t there to provide all the answers – instead, the Stephen Minister’s role is to create a safe, caring relationship where a Care Receiver can share what is happening in their life and know that they will be heard and supported. Stephen Ministers meet regularly with their Care Receivers, typically for about an hour each week. The relationship is completely confidential.
Stephen Ministry is here for you at St. Barnabas
Because Stephen Ministry is still a relatively new ministry at St. Barnabas, many people in our parish may not yet know that this resource is available. We want to change that. Our hope is that every parishioner knows that Stephen Ministry is here at St. Barnabas and that asking for a Stephen Minister provides an opportunity to let someone walk with you during life’s challenging times. If you or someone you know could benefit from a caring, confidential relationship, we invite you to learn more about Stephen Ministry at St. Barnabas.
You don’t have to walk alone. Stephen Ministry is here to walk with you.
For more information about Stephen Ministry at St. Barnabas, please contact the Stephen Ministry team on our website. Also, please join us at coffee hour on Sunday, October 25th – there will be Stephen Ministers there to answer questions.
