Stephen Ministry

To contact us:

First Presbyterian Church

525 N. Broadway

Wichita, Kansas 67214

How to Become a Stephen Minister

In order for Stephen Ministry to continue to be a vital ministry in this congregation we need more Stephen Ministers. We have training classes starting at least one time per year. Look at the gifts God has given you and consider whether those gifts might be put to use as a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one confidential Christian care giving relationship with someone experiencing a life challenge or crisis. This may be an illness, death of a spouse, partner, family member or friend; loss of a job or retirement; sudden inability to cope; or a care giver for a family who needs support.

In order to prepare to be a Stephen Minister and to gain the skills necessary and to realize the potential of the gifts God has given us, Stephen Ministers are required to make a two-year commitment , which includes:

· Fill out an application and have an interview.

· 50 hours of training

· After training, twice monthly small group supervision continuing education; and

· To willingly, lovingly, prayerfully and confidentially enter into a caring relationship with someone in crisis and meet with that person weekly.

Can you answer yes to the following questions?

· Are you full of faith and can you express your faith?

· Are you trustworthy?

· Can you keep a confidence?

· Can you be nonjudgmental?

· Do you have the time and the desire for training and service?

· Are you willing to participate faithfully in supervision?

· Are you willing to be a caregiver?

If you answered yes to the above you may have the GIFTS necessary to be a Stephen Minister. A new class will be starting soon. If you feel God calling you to this ministry, please complete and application as soon as possible. Once applications are returned, applicants will be called for an interview. In the meantime, if you have any question or would like to request and application, please email or contact Lynn Buchanan or Louise Farmer at 263-0248.

First Presbyterian Church has trained

259 Stephen Ministers and 24 Stephen Leaders

since 1986.