About Our Shepherd Stephen Ministers
Who Are They
Picture of our Stephen Ministers
Job Description for a Stephen Minister
Our Shepherd is a
Stephen Ministry Congregation!
Intending to extend our Pastoral Ministry, we set apart and specifically trained lay members in the spirituality of listening, prayer, compassion and one-on-one caring. As we seek to respond to Jesus' instruction to "love one another as I have loved you," Christian support and friendship in confidential and non-judgmental relationships are made available to fellow members in and beyond the church family, who face difficult times in their lives.
A Stephen Minister - Who are they & what is expected of them?
If you have wondered about this, perhaps Our Shepherd’s job description for our Stephen Ministers will be of interest to you.
Title: Stephen Minister
Job Summary: Provide one-on-one weekly contact with an assigned Care Receiver to provide support and encouragement by sharing Christian love, faith and friendship through communication and prayer.
Personal Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Sense of God’s call to share self and faith in one-one relationships
- Caring nature
- Non-judgmental nature
- Skill in listening
- Respect for confidentiality
- Openness to share God’s love silently and verbally
- Acquaintance with and comfort in use of Christian resources
- Time available to support a Care Receiver
- Commitment to the Stephen Ministry Program
- Member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church
- Completion of 50 hours of training provided by Stephen Ministry
- Commissioned as a Stephen Minister
- Meet with Care Receiver assigned on a regular basis
- Pray for Care Receiver daily
- Maintain complete confidentiality concerning any Care Receiver
- Attend twice monthly peer support meetings
- Participate in continuing education as provided
- Support and encourage other Stephen Ministers
- Actively attend to our spirituality
- Minimum 24 month commitment to participation