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CARING

When we go through difficult times, we need someone caring to listen, share God’s love, and help us get through the confusion, stress, or crisis we may be experiencing. We can help you find peace in every circumstance through faith in God.

Caring - Crisis Care

CRISIS CARE (STEPHEN MINISTRY)

If you would like to be matched with a Stephen Minister, please call the church office at 403-347-7311.

We’re a team of trained, caring, Christian friends called Stephen Ministers, who can provide one-on-one confidential care to individuals experiencing a crisis or needing personal support. Examples of people who can benefit from this care are those who experience the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, terminal illness, divorce or separation, discouragement, or employment issues.

Stephen Ministers are Caregivers

“Encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

God is the Curegiver

“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.

  • Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
  • Is your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering?
  • Are you adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
  • Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress or loneliness you may be experiencing.

WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER?

  • A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
  • A caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen.
  • A layperson who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctly Christian care.
  • A supportive and encouraging person who keeps confidence.

A STEPHEN MINISTER IS NOT...

  • A counselor or therapist
  • A problem solver
  • A casual visitor

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS WITH WHICH STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELP?

Here are some examples:

  • Retirement changes
  • Loss of a spouse
  • Discouragement
  • Unemployment
  • Hospitalization
  • Loneliness
  • Childbirth
  • Divorce
  • Grief
  • Being Shut-in
  • Child loss / Infertility
  • Questions about God and Faith

HOW DOES THE REFERRAL PROCESS WORK?

  • A person – either you, a relative or a friend – is hurting and in need of Christian care.
  • This need for care is communicated to Pastor Mark Stevenson
  • Pastor Mark meets with the person and decides if a Stephen Minister applies to the situation. After prayerful consideration of compatibility, a Stephen Minister is then assigned to them.
  • A Stephen Minister will contact (you) them and meets on a regular basis with the person (usually once a week for 1 hour).
  • The Stephen Minister distinctively provides Christian care that is strictly confidential.

STEPHEN MINISTRY NEXT STEPS

CARE RECEIVERS

  • Consider taking the Stephen Ministry training to become a caregiver! Call the church office at 403-347-7311.
  • Giving back can be so healing! Focus on others by getting plugged into one of the serving opportunities at church!
  • Have you checked out our Inner Healing Prayer Ministries? You can book personal prayer appointments or take a Soul Care class and find freedom from deep spiritual bondage. Click here for our prayer ministry.
  • Check out our Recovery Ministries or our Mental Health Ministry to see any of them are a fit for you to get involved in.
  • Let your roots grow down deep with our Adult Education classes!

STEPHEN MINISTERS

Changed my life and gave me the one thing
I never knew I was missing, a deep walk with God.
My life is now so much more richer.
Neil Purfeild