Trained to be Care-Givers

Jeff Sherlock

The Stephen Ministry, a care-giving ministry at College Park UB (Huntington, Ind.), expanded this fall. Seven new Stephen Ministers were commissioned on October 15. These new lay caregivers joined eleven Stephen Ministers already commissioned and active. Pastor Brent Birdsall describes it as "the most effective care-giving tool I have ever worked with in the local church."

Stephen Ministers offer care and support for people experiencing life difficulties--people facing the death of a loved one, a job crisis, aging, separation or divorce, long-term illness, or just a need for the support of a Christian friend. They have received 50 hours of intensive training covering topics such as effective listening, confidentiality, the stress of hospitalization, feelings, and using community resources.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. In addition to the initial training, Stephen Ministers continue to receive twice-monthly continuing education and supervision support as they strive to offer the highest quality Christian care-giving.

College Park is one of nearly 7000 congregations across North America and in several foreign countries, representing more than 90 different denominations, that have implemented this program of lay Christian caregiving. The Stephen Series was developed by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis.

College Park Church has been part of the Stephen Series since 1998. Clergy and lay persons are trained in a seven-day Leader's Training Course to return to their local congregations to recruit and train other lay people in the skills of Christian care-giving. College Park's Stephen Ministry includes 13 women and 7 men ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-70s. Pastor Brent Birdsall, Pastor Raymond Waldfogel, Liz O'Donnell, and Jeff Sherlock comprise the leadership team, with another layperson scheduled for training in 2001.

Pastor Birdsall commented, "As a pastor, I am encouraged to know that many within my congregation receive faithful, meaningful care each week through this ministry. Our Stephen Ministers greatly expand the work of our church in people's lives."

Tom Bennet, a new Stephen Minister, is excited about this new role. "I look forward to helping those in need learn more about themselves and about relationships and helping them draw closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

College Park expects the Stephen Ministry to continue to be a source of warmth, care, and blessing for many years to come, enabling the entire congregation to grow as a nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for and their needs taken seriously, all in the name of Jesus Christ.