God wants us to care for others – and also to allow others to care for us in our times of need.
“Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2
About Stephen Ministry
- Stephen Ministry trains lay people to use their spiritual gifts as Christian friends – to listen to, care and pray for, support and encourage others in times of grief or trouble. This ministry supplements the church’s clergy resources in listening to, praying for, and looking after those in need.
- Christ Church Stephen Ministers have completed 50 hours of formal training in Christian caregiving. Their initial training and ongoing continuing education cover specific topics such as divorce, hospitalization, bereavement and aging.
- Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of this program. Care receivers are people (either from our parish our outside of it) who have encountered life’s difficulties and pain. Care receivers meet with their Stephen Ministers on a regular, often weekly, basis and what is discussed is always kept in the strictest confidence. Trust is essential to a caring relationship and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust.
To Request a Stephen Minister
Your confidential inquiry about receiving the care of a Stephen Minister will be handled by our Referrals Coordinator and Stephen Ministry Leader Kelly Burkhardt, or our Christ Church clergy representative The Rev. David Frazelle.
- Kelly Burkhardt – mimsburk@gmail.com
- The Rev. David Frazelle – dfrazelle@ccral.org
To Become a Stephen Minister
To learn more about the process of training for the program, talk to one of our other Stephen Leaders.
- Tom Boyle – boyle7139@bellsouth.net
- Cece Scott – cecescott@mac.com
Our Stephen Ministers