First Presbyterian Church of
525 N. Broadway
http://www.firstpresbywichita.org
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What is it? –
History – Who can be
helped? |
Love one another…
…as I have loved you. John
13:34
What
is Stephen Ministry?
To
give the textbook answer Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one confidential
Christian caring relationship with someone in crisis. All well and good, but what does it mean?
Don’t
we have Pastors to work with persons in crisis?
What about the Parish Nurses, or the Deacons, or the Pastoral Care
Committee? Where does Stephen Ministry
fit and why do we need it?
The
mission of First Presbyterian Church states:
“In response to the love and grace of God, First Presbyterian Church of
Wichita, Kansas, is a fellowship of believers bound together to glorify God and
to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through worship, spiritual nurturing,
education and mission to all people.” Stephen Ministry is one way this church
fulfills that mission. Stephen Ministry
works with the Pastors, the Parish Nurses, the Deacons, the Pastoral Care
Committee and the congregation to ensure that all persons receive Christian
care giving, no matter what their need.
We
have many needs for care in our congregation:
people experiencing divorce, grief, a terminal illness, loss of a job,
relocation, an empty nest, retirement, hospitalization, loneliness, and many
other stresses or challenges. Sometimes
people with needs suffer silently or do not request or receive the care they
really need. Sometimes a small shift in
our lives can set us off balance, a major change can send us spinning out of
control. Sometimes what a person needs
is someone who will meet with them confidentially, listen to them, care about
them, pray with them, and help them find his or her path to healing and
wholeness. Sometimes it is a Stephen
Minister who is needed.
Stephen
Ministry expands the care First Presbyterian Church can offer so that everybody
benefits from Stephen Ministry. Those
receiving care benefit because they receive prayer and support throughout the
crisis they face. The Stephen Ministers
benefit through the spiritual growth they experience by being involved in this
meaningful ministry. Our Pastors, our
Parish Nurses, our Deacons, and our Pastoral Care committee benefit because
caring ministry at First Presbyterian Church is expanded and fewer people will
slip through the cracks. Most of
all you will benefit from the knowledge that special care is available to you should
you need it.
If
you have any questions or would like to request an application please contact Lynn Buchanan at 652-7788 or Tony Bove at
522-3881.
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What is it? –
History – Who can be
helped? |
© First Presbyterian Church of Wichita 2007
525 N. Broadway
Phone: (316) 263-0248 – Fax: (316) 263-3237
Questions, Comments, Constructive
Criticism don’t hesitate to email Shawn