We have a Congregational Care Ministry here at RB Community that our members may have heard of but do not realize the blessing that it offers. The Stephen Ministers are a group of tender-hearted people who have been trained in compassionate care and supportive listening. The role of Stephen Ministers is to bring the love of God into the lives of people who are going through a difficult time or experiencing a crisis. Their desire is to be there for you when you need one person to share your feelings with. The parent organization in St. Louis calls them the “After People”,
Stephen Ministers are there (and in countless other situations):
- after the phone call you hoped you’d never get
- after the celebration of life when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you
- after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing more we can do”
- after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
I’m sure you will agree that at times we all need a friend with a sympathetic ear to listen to us when our heart is hurting, when we need to forgive or be forgiven, or we have a difficult decision to make. Stephen Ministers do not give advice directly, but allow Spirit to guide them in listening and in prayer.
God draws near to us in our weakness when we are willing to be vulnerable and open. Sharing our burden with this one person brings the light of God’s love into or situation. We experience the grace of God and the relief of knowing we are not alone. Admitting to God, and to ourselves that we are feeling powerless or overwhelmed opens our heart to His love. Therein we find healing.
Our Stephen Ministry began several years ago when Bob and Jeanette Lauer offered the required 50 hours of training. Each minister is matched with a person who has requested care. They meet together with you once a week and then meet with the trainers and each other to discuss the best ways to offer their care. All is done in strict confidentiality. No names or personal information are shared. Currently, we have 14 caregivers, but only 4 or 5 people who are willing to ask for care. Our reluctance to ask for this care may prevent us from a personal experience with God at our weakest point where we need His love and light the most.
After reading this article, you may want to ask yourself what might be keeping you from connecting with a Stephen Minister if you have an unresolved burden on your heart. It could be your mind itself telling you should be able to deal with this by yourself, that you should be strong enough. Maybe you don’t want to admit to anyone that you need help. Or you may think you don’t want to talk to someone who isn’t a close friend; they might not understand. Maybe you think only a seminary-trained pastor can help you. Instead, try seeing this burden as an invitation from God to meet Him at a deeper level, to receive His love personally, and to know yourself as His beloved child.
If you have given yourself permission to meet with a Stephen Minister, please call our church office at 858-487-0811 and ask to talk to Jim D’Aoust, Judy Venn-Watson, or Rosina Kreft. They would be pleased to contact you.
From Irene Dunny