Stephen Ministry

Overview | Resources | FAQs | Leadership

LISTENING CARE:

• Would you like to talk through something?
• Are you lonely?
• Would you like to pray with someone?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Are you facing challenges at work? Home? Financially?

Listening Care is offered each Sunday from 9:15-10:30 a.m.  One may just drop in, (the current location is Pastor Michael's office) or you may set up an appointment for another day/time.  Please email Bernardine Eckelkamp at:

bernardine.eckelkamp@stjohnsdenver.org or call 303.910.5635

Overview

“Love one another…as I have loved you.”  John 13:34
Christ Caring for People Through People

Stephen Ministry is…
A ministry of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide Christian Care to individuals who are experiencing a time of transition or difficulty. This care is CONFIDENTIAL. It emphasizes God as the cure giver and Stephen Ministers as care givers. The Stephen Ministry program is actively at work in our church.  If you or someone you know would like to talk with a Stephen Minister, please call Bernardine at church at 303.733.3777 ext. 114 (Pastor Michael).

What is a Stephen Minister?

• Someone who’s been trained extensively to provide care for people in need of extra comfort and support
• Someone who continues to receive continuing education and supervision for caring relationships
• Someone who will hold a confidence
• Someone who is committed to making regular caring visits

Who might need a Stephen Minister? Someone who is…
(not limited to the following)

• A new parent
• A new church member
• An “empty nester"
• Retiring
• In personal/spiritual crisis
• Hospitalized/ill
• Bereaved
• Loss of job/job difficulty
• A single parent
• Lonely
• Homebound
• Disabled
• Changing jobs
• Moving or just moved

How can you support our congregation’s Stephen Ministry?
• Pray for Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders
• Refer those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister
• Receive care if you are in need
• Consider serving as a Stephen Minister
• Support the ministry with financial gifts

“If one part (of our church body) suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”  I Corinthians 12:26

Stephen Ministry Resources

Continuing Education Schedule for Stephen Ministers

Beginning January 2010 a new training session will begin.

Books and Other Resources for the St. John's community.  
Some of these books are available to borrow from a Stephen Leader or Stephen Minister.  Please help us grow our list of suggested resources.  We also have handouts and pamphlets on varying topics (divorce, loss, hospice etc…)

Stephen Ministry Books :
Speaking the Truth in Love, Koch and Haugk
Christian Caregiving, A way of Life, by Haugk
(This book is not caregiving for elderly but applies offering forgiveness, servanthood, prayer, blessing and more to serve others with distinctively Christian Care)

Spiritual Growth:
How People Grow, by Townsend and Cloud
Authentic Faith, by Gary Thomas
Just Like Jesus,  by Max Lucado
Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
Pilgrims Progress
Having a Mary Spirit, by Joanna Weaver
Spiritual Disciplines, by Foster

Loss of a Loved One:

Journey Through Grief, by Kenneth Haugk available via Stephen Ministry

Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart,  by K. Haugk

Difficult Times:

Red Sea Rules

Prayer:

Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope:  Prayers for the Times of Our Lives, by John Gugel

Listening:

The Good Listener, by James E. Sullivan

Stephen Ministry FAQ

How do I find out more about Stephen Ministry?
• Contact Bernardine Eckelkamp (303)910-5635 or Pastor Michael at (303) 733-3777 x114
How does one become a Stephen Minister?
• First, pray about it and know your spiritual gifts, experiences, passion and skills/abilities
• Fill out an application  Stephen_Ministry_Application

• Have an interview with someone in Stephen Leadership
• Upon mutual consent of leadership and oneself-take Stephen Ministry training course (20 sessions of initial training)
• Be commissioned as a Stephen Minister

What if I’ve been trained in Stephen Ministry before?
• Please call one of the leaders listed above.


Stephen Ministry Leadership

Bernardine Eckelkamp Stephen Ministries 303-695-6076 Email

Bernardine Eckelkamp
Bernardine has been part of the Stephen Ministry since the fall of 2000. She has been blessed and privileged to be a part of Stephen Ministry in California and currently at St. John’s in Colorado. Bernardine is supported in this endeavor by her husband Michael and their three children Debra, Rachel, and Christian.

Bernardine helped re-establish Stephen Ministry at St. John’s in the fall of 2005. This was accomplished with the help and support of many others in our congregation. She currently oversees Stephen Ministry and organizes training and referrals for the ministry.

One of her greatest joys is witnessing God growing others in faith and service during the training sessions AND the privilege to grow in faith along with the trainees.To contact Bernardine, call 303-910-5635 or email Bernardine.eckelkamp@stjohnsdenver.org

Laurie Hardy 303-744-9690 Email

Laurie Hardy
Laurie joined the team in 2007. She has a heart for hurting people and understands well God loves each person deeply.

Laurie facilitates a supervision group for Stephen Ministers. She has helped present for training class and has provided awareness of Stephen Ministry through Connections.
Contact Laurie 303-744-9690 or email lhardy@nearburg.com

 

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