Stephen Ministry
Email the Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry began at Pleasant Ridge in October 2001 and is a program active in thousands of congregations that provides distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are struggling with life events or circumstances. Caregivers are committed Christians who express God’s care through their support to others by becoming a faithful, supportive visitor to whom a struggling individual can talk regularly in strictest confidence.
Caregivers can provide support to:
-the hospitalized or the terminally ill and their families
-those grieving a death or serious loss
-those in a nursing home or homebound
-those in a job crisis
-the aging and elderly
-those with disabilities and their families
-those needing the support of a Christian friend
-those facing life transitions
-the separated or divorced
-households experiencing birth or adoption
-those in spiritual crisis
Caregivers receive 50 hours of initial training in caring ministry skills and concepts and continue to receive continuing education and supervision as long as they are serving as Stephen Ministry caregivers. Our Current caregivers are Evelyn Baker, Linda BeVier, Effie Costilla, Flo Fox, Davey Jones, Sue Jones, Judy Muir, Juanita Patton, Rose Marie Rogers, Tammy Rogers, Deanna Tate, Ron Tate and Janelle Thurman.
Perhaps you are already serving in a caring capacity to someone in need. Sometimes the need for assistance to those you serve comes too fast or too intensely for you to meet all the needs. When a person’s situation is long-term, very difficult or emotionally taxing, you can make a referral for that person to receive Stephen Ministry care in addition to the care you provide. Or perhaps you are struggling with a personal circumstance and would like to have someone to whom you can talk who will keep your conversations in complete confidence. You can ask to receive a Stephen Ministry caregiver yourself.
The process of referral starts by asking the person who is hurting if you can have their permission to make a referral. Referrals are given to our Youth and Family Minister, Terry Kitson, who contacts the person in need, provides information about Stephen Ministry care and assigns a caregiver of the same gender. Only Terry, the care receiver and the caregiver know who is assigned. The assigned caregiver contacts the care receiver to plan for weekly get-togethers for talk, prayer and other means of support. Visits continue as long as the individual needs them.
Perhaps you are interested in training to become a Stephen Ministry caregiver. Service as a caregiver is a 2-year commitment. A training class is generally held every year to year-and-a-half. More information is available by contacting one of the Stephen Leaders: Janelle Thurman, Davey Jones or Deanna Tate.