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| ST. LUKE'S IS A STEPHEN MINISTRIES CHURCH Stephen Ministries is a one-to-one, caring ministry of trained laity to walk beside others during times of hurting or crisis. A Stephen Minister receives 50 hours of intensive training in all the basics needed to establish a caring relationship, and to participate in ongoing continuing education and supervision. A Stephen Minister is paired with a Care Receiver, and meets with that Care Receiver one time per week for one hour to listen while they talk through the things going on in their life. The caring relationship continues until both agree that it is time to end. Persons who are experiencing life changes, grief, illness, and other stress would benefit from a caring relationship with a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministries St. Louis was founded as a not-for-profit religious organization in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist. While the pastor of a St. Louis congregation, Dr. Haugk saw needs for care that exceeded what he alone as pastor could provide. The first Stephen Ministers were nine members trained by Dr. Haugk to work with him in providing caring ministry. The ministry was so successful that some of the Stephen Ministers suggested that this ministry be shared with other congregations. More than 7,000 congregations affiliated with more than 90 denominations are enrolled in the Stephen Series. More than 37,000 Stephen Ministers have been trained in congregations, and Stephen Ministers have cared for well over a half million Care Receivers. If you would like to become a Care Receiver and have a Stephen Minister walk with you through some time of crisis or difficult, just email our Referrals Coordinator, Bonnie Harris at ronbonharris@aol.com. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, and would like more information, please email our lead trainer, Ron Harris at ronbonharris@aol.com. |
Send mail to mike@stlukesumc.net with questions or comments about this web site. |
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