What is Stephen Ministry?
	Pastors will always be on the front lines of care during times of crisis. But, sometimes it is impossible for them to effectively provide one on one care for all the needs that arise. To address this challenge and ensure that all our members are cared for in their time of need we have partnered with the St. Louis based, Stephen Ministry, educational organization. The NDCBF Stephen Ministry leadership team was trained to equip members of our congregation for ministry to God’s people. They are ready, willing and available to reach out with God’s love and provide confidential Christian, care, comfort and concern to hurting members and non-members alike.
What do Stephen Ministers do?
	The Stephen Ministers are congregation members who are recruited, selected, trained, and commissioned to provide one-to-one lay caring ministry to persons in crisis or with other needs for care. Stephen Ministers: ♥ Pray daily for their care receivers and strive to worship God always in word and deed. They reveal the love of God to those who most need to see it. ♥ Meet once a week with their care receivers for about an hour at a time. They may also check in with the care receiver by telephone, particularly when the care receiver is going through a difficult time. ♥ Are assigned to care receivers—people in crisis who need caring support. Stephen Ministers care for those in moderate difficulties. The Stephen Minister's care helps the care receiver resolve the difficulty and achieve growth by: Listening, asking questions that help identify and deal with feelings, sharing distinctively Christian caring resources, relying on God to achieve the results Stephen Ministers understand that confidentiality is crucial in any caring relationship. They maintain confidentiality and encourage other Stephen Ministers to do the same.
Who needs a Stephen Minister?
	God never intended or expected for us to bear our burdens alone. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide emotional and spiritual care when we need it most. Stephen Ministers provide care to those experiencing: Loss of a loved one Loneliness Discouragement Spiritual Crisis Unemployment Job Crisis Hospitalization Chronic Illness Divorce or Separation Birth Adoption Miscarriage Infertility Aging Relocation Incarceration Recovery after an accident or disaster and much more…
How Do I Get A Stephen Minister?
	If you or someone you know could benefit from having a Stephen Minister call 972-437-3493 x310 or e-mail Stephen_Coordinator@ndcbf.org.
What Happens When I Call?
▪ A member of our Stephen Ministry Referral Coordination Team will call to schedule a time to meet with you. ▪ The Referral Coordinator will determine whether Stephen Ministry can provide you with the appropriate amount of support for your specific needs. ▪ If no, the Referral Coordinator will discuss alternate options with you. ▪ If yes, you will be matched with a Stephen Minister. ▪ You will meet with your Stephen Minister to get to know each other and begin your healing journey.
	Get Involved with Stephen Ministry
	• Make a commitment to pray for our Stephen Ministers • Become a part of our Building Ownership and Awareness Team and help spread the word. • When you meet someone with a need tell them about Stephen Ministry • Become a Stephen Minister To find out more about what Stephen Minister do and how you can do it too… Keep reading…
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