C o v e n a n t  P r e s b y t e r i a n  C h u r c h

HOME  •  NEWS  •  MINISTRIES  •  SERMONS  •  STAFF  •  ABOUT  •  LINKS  •  CONTACT

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

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 one 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 or by filling out one of the forms found in the pew racks in the sanctuary. 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.

Contacting the Stephen Ministers

Members (or friends or relatives of a member) seeking help from a Stephen Minister should contact the church office at 334-8937.

Support Groups

GriefShare
GriefShare is our support group to help lead you from mourning to joy. Whether you have lost a spouse, a best friend, child, parent, or any person who filled a significant place in your life, you do not have to wrestle with grief all alone. God’s promise of healing is there for you, and your church would like to help you in that healing. We'll let you know when the next session begins (a session usually runs for thirteen weeks).  Read more about GriefShare.

DivorceCare
The painful experience of the shattered dreams that divorce brings is a complicated struggle that invades every aspect of life. When one’s whole world is turned upside down, it is hard to believe that life can ever return to a place of wholeness and happiness. God’s healing power can overcome even this turmoil, and, again, our church would like to reach out to you and help in this difficult time. We will announce the dates for the next session, which usually runs for 13 weeks. Read more about DivorceCare.

"The Lord is near to those
who are discouraged;
He saves those who
have lost all hope."
 Psalm 34:18

 

Copyright 2003-2008 by Covenant Presbyterian Church
2439 McGregor Blvd. • Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Phone: (239) 334-8937