A Stephen Minister is...

• a caring Christian - desiring to offer support to others in time of need
• a sharing Christian - bringing who he/she is to each helping relationship, as a partner in another's life experiences
• a trained Christian - having developed helping skills through intensive coursework
• a dedicated Christian - one committed to confidential, in-depth caring

People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.

A Stephen Minister is not...

• a professional pastor, therapist, counselor, or psychologist
• a social worker providing lots of physical services
• an expert in law, finance, church doctrine, etc.
• a brief, superficial visitor 'touching base' with people now and then

Can a Stephen Minister help you? Do you need help?

• Have you recently suffered a loss?
• Are you new in the community and feeling uprooted?
• Do you doubt God's presence and love for you?
• Do your job worries seem too great to handle? Are they getting you down?
• Are you, or someone you love, facing hospitalization or surgery?
• Are you feeling depressed? Do you often wish you had someone to share your thoughts with?
• Are you confused about events in you life?
• Are you hurting?

	If you are in need of a Stephen Minister, or know someone who is please contact Pastor Lyn Olson at the church office (941) 485-2258.
Visit the National Stephen Ministry Website