Congregational Care

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers are members of this congregation, gifted in compassionate caring, who have been trained and prepared to walk with others in their time of need.

They are not counselors or psychologists, but they are Christian caregivers uniquely equipped to support others at particularly difficult moments in life.

A Stephen Minister IS

• a child of God who walks beside a hurting person and invites him to heal and cure,
• a caregiver who meets regularly with this person and really listens while maintaining confidentiality, and
• a lay minister who has received and continues to undergo special training on how to provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is NOT

• a counselor or therapist,
• a problem solver, or
• a casual visitor.

The Stephen Ministry provides help for a wide spectrum of hurts such as those who are:

• Hospitalized
• Terminally ill
• Disable
• Homebound
• Lonely
• Expecting a baby
• In a job crisis
• A recent arrival in the area
• Going through a divorce
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministers go through extensive training.  When the fifty hours of training is completed, study does not stop.  Stephen Ministers continue to study throughout their time of service.  They receive an hour of continuing education at their twice-a-month supervision meetings.  Some of the topics that have been covered in continuing education are post-hospitalization, nursing homes, alcoholism, AIDS, inactive members and aging.  As long as Stephen Ministers are actively serving, they are required to attend these meetings as they constantly strive to hone their care-giving talents.

If you are someone facing painful circumstances and would like to have a fellow brother or sister in Christ to spend time with, who will listen, and love, then perhaps you should think about asking for a Stephen Minister.  You may do so by calling the church at 334-8937 and ask for the pastor or a Stephen Ministry Leader.  You may refer a friend or relative as well but only with his or her permission.  If you wish to become a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office.

Professional Counseling

provides individual, family and group counseling to help improve the spiritual, mental and emotional quality of lives in Lee County.   Counseling is provided at a reduced fee, depending on income.  The Center has two locations: one on the campus of Covenant Presbyterian Church at 2439 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers 239-542-7375 and one at Faith Presbyterian Church at 4544 Coronado Pkwy. in Cape Coral 239-334-4277.

This interfaith counseling service provides support and hope to all of God's people.

Grief Group

If you have ever experienced a loss and would like to join others working through grief, a group meets each Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Covenant House next to the church facility.  The group is lead by Kathryn Cochran, licensed therapist.  Please call the church office 239-334-8937 for information.