Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Series from Stephen Ministries is a complete system for training and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around your congregation.

Founded in 1975, the Stephen Series is now in more than 11,000 congregations from more than 150 Christian denominations, spanning the world.

Who can benefit from a relationship with a Stephen Minister?

Any person experiencing a life crisis or challenge. The needs of care receivers may include divorce, loss of a loved one, hospitalization, terminal illness, loneliness, relocation, unemployment, retirement, empty nest, and, other life transitions.

What can I expect out of my relationship with a Stephen Minister?

• Close friendships are mutual, friends are there for each other; they share their good times and bad times and support each other. A Stephen Ministry relationship isn’t mutual, it is one sided. Stephen Ministers listen, reflect thoughts and feelings, and care. Stephen Ministers do not share their own problems with the care receiver as a friend might.
• It is an intentional relationship, established solely for the Stephen Minister to walk the care receiver through a difficult time.
• It is also objective. Our friends often aren’t very objective, they hurt when we hurt. A Stephen Minister certainly empathizes, but they focus on providing balance & perspective to help the care receiver through this time.
• The relationship is also more formal. You can be assured your Stephen Minister is a highly trained individual. They have skills in active listening, dealing with feelings, crisis intervention, and ministering in a wide variety of situations.
• Most importantly, Stephen Ministers rely on God to direct their actions and help them as they minister to their care receiver. Stephen Ministers pray for their care receivers and may pray with them when they welcome prayer. A Stephen Minister is always sensitive to the care receiver’s needs, never forcing prayer or Bible verses into the relationship, but they focus on spiritual as well as emotional and psychological hurts as they minister.

 

If you are interested in talking to someone about the Stephen Ministry or learning how to become part of this vital team, please feel free to contact the church at 217-532-2216, or Teresa Luck at [email protected]. 

Meet our Stephen Ministry Team!

Stephen Leader – Teresa Luck

Teresa served as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Leader for 29 years. Two years ago she felt God calling her to the Stephen Ministry and began a 2-year journey being trained and creating a team of Stephen Ministers within our church. Teresa’s position requires her to lead the extensive study the Ministers participate in, as well as oversee relationships ensuring they are meeting the needs of each care receiver. Teresa also serves as a Deacon and a member of the Board of Administration. In her home, she serves her husband Rick, 6 children, 4 bonus children, and 8 beautiful grandchildren.

Our Team of Ministers includes: Al & Martha Ruppert, Lee Fenton, Lea Ann Tally,  Joe & Susie Boston, Bunni Lippard, Kim Noyes, Patricia Oakley