Stephen Ministry
Lent 2007
Pastor Flater
Ephesians 4:11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
These verses remind us that there are many gifts to be used to share the Gospel. Our congregation is entering into an era in which we will intentionally equip our members to share the comforting gifts of the Gospel with those who know of life’s burdens and suffering which life can bring.
Almost every week, I find myself wishing that I, actually we, could bring more care, compassion, and comfort to those who suffer in our midst. This lack of appropriate care wears on our well-being as a community of believers. Our leadership and I, as pastor, are stepping forward to lead our congregation into the world of Stephen Ministry.
As we enter into Stephen Ministry we come to understand that it encourages us in many ways:
For People Who Need Care . . .
Receive quality, Christ-centered, confidential care for their hurts and needs
Know they are remembered and supported by their congregation in times of personal difficulty
Grow in a deeper relationship with their Lord as they experience God's unconditional love for them through their Stephen Minister
Lent 2007
Pastor Flater
Ephesians 4:11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
These verses remind us that there are many gifts to be used to share the Gospel. Our congregation is entering into an era in which we will intentionally equip our members to share the comforting gifts of the Gospel with those who know of life’s burdens and suffering which life can bring.
Almost every week, I find myself wishing that I, actually we, could bring more care, compassion, and comfort to those who suffer in our midst. This lack of appropriate care wears on our well-being as a community of believers. Our leadership and I, as pastor, are stepping forward to lead our congregation into the world of Stephen Ministry.
As we enter into Stephen Ministry we come to understand that it encourages us in many ways:
For People Who Need Care . . .
Receive quality, Christ-centered, confidential care for their hurts and needs
Know they are remembered and supported by their congregation in times of personal difficulty
Grow in a deeper relationship with their Lord as they experience God's unconditional love for them through their Stephen Minister
The Congregation and its Members. ..
See themselves as active partners in the mission and ministry of the church
Experience great joy as they see God working through them to bring hope to a hurting person
Grow spiritually as they experience the Lord's loving presence in community with other Christian caregivers
Become a more loving community that is more sensitive and responsive to people's needs for care
Are able to reach out to those with no church home who are hurting and introduce them to the healing love of Jesus in their time of need
For the pastor . . .
Reach more members of the congregation with quality Christian care
Experience renewed joy and satisfaction as they equip others and so extend the reach of their own ministries
Provides more time to focus on the ministries that only the pastor can do
I have began a prayer journey for this ministry. I hope you will join me and also consider this rare opportunity to grow spiritually, biblically, and in compassionate caring centered in Christ. Prayerfully consider how God might use your gifts in this, especially if you have reached a new phase of life in which you have the gift of retirement. Consider how God might be calling you to give while experiencing that gift known as retirement. Perhaps your vocation doesn’t give you the chance to work with and care for people. This might be God’s opportunity for you. Finally, you may just be eager to know a deeper connection to Christ. From all I have learned this will lead God’s invitation to such a relationship.
Check out the information page inserted in this newsletter on Stephen Ministry and/or go online to check out this ministry http://www.stephenministries.org/
1 comment:
I highly recommend the Stephen Ministry Program. I took the training about 10 years ago at a different church and found it to be useful and meaningful. It was an important step in my deciding to go to seminary. I also got to know some wonderful members of the congregation.
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