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Stephen Ministry
rev. 9/26/08
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What is Stephen Ministry?

The Vision of Stephen Ministry is that the church would embody and express Jesus' command, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34).

The Name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first layperson commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6). It is based on the charge from Galatians 6:2 to “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

The Stephen Ministry program is a new ministry at Trinity Burr Ridge. Trained members of Trinity provide quality, one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing a life crisis. Care-givers and Care-receivers generally meet for about 1 hour per week for as long as the care-receiver needs support. This ministry is a one to one ministry, with men working with men and women working with women.

We currently have 17 active Stephen Ministers and 2 Stephen Leaders.

This image is the care-givers compass that guides this uniquely Christian care-giving relationship:

Care-givers Compass

Compassionate – Care-givers are trained to listen to Care Receivers with compassion and without judgment.

Full of Faith – Care-givers are trained to keep the relationship God-centered, Spirit-led, prayer-focused, and grounded in the Word.

Skilled – Care-givers are trained in reflective listening, biblically-based, loving care-giving.

Trustworthy – Care-givers are reliable, available, provide unconditional Christian love and support, and maintain confidentiality in all circumstances.

And at the center of the compass is Christ – The Stephen Minister is the care-giver, Christ is the CURE-giver.

How Do I Get Help From A Stephen Minister?
Contact our Referrals Coordinator:
Ruth Kutz through the church office at 708-839-1200.


Some examples of Life Crises for which Stephen Ministers are trained to provide care:
Grief, Divorce, Job Loss, Depression, Spiritual Crisis, Terminal Illness, Significant Life Changes, Hospitalization, and many other crises causing emotional or spiritual strain for which support is desired.
How Do I Become A Stephen Minister?
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, there is an application and interview process. Contact Ruth Kutz, our Stephen Leaders, for more information.

Training to become a Stephen Minister is 20 weeks long and includes classroom instruction, weekly reading and in class roll-plays. Upon completion of your training, you will be commissioned as a “Stephen Minister” and linked with people with a variety of needs for care.

The "After" People
Frequently friends will ask, “I know you’re involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?” I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are “After People.” Stephen Ministers are there:
    • After you’ve washed and returned the last casserole dish.
    • After the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
    • After the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
    • After you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
    • After the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
    • After the doctors have said, “There’s nothing more we can do.”
    • After the door has slammed shut—for the very last time.
    • After the phone call you’d always hoped you’d never get.
    • After you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.
    • After the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
    • After the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
    • After the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
    • After you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
    • After your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” We are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long “after” as we are needed.

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