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Sharpstown Baptist Church
Christ Caring for People through People
What is Stephen Ministries?
(referred to as "Stephen Series")
The Stephen Series is a complete system for training and organizing lay persons to provide
one-to-one Christian care in and around our congregation.
...A Proven System for Multiplying Caring Ministry.
What Type of Ministry do Stephen Ministers Perform?
The Stephen Series program meets the needs of the people of our congregation by equipping lay
people to provide effective caring ministry to...
- the hospitalized
- the terminally ill and their families
- people who are homebound
- those with a job crisis
- the inactive in our congregation
- those facing transitions in their lives
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- the aging and elderly
- those with disabilities and their families
- those who are separated or divorced
- the lonely
- households experiencing birth or adoption
- new members in our church or community
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Am I Qualified to be a Stephen Minister?
Some basic qualifications which are needed to be a Stephen Minister are:
- You need to be a caring person who is willing to learn, grow, and serve.
- You must be willing and able to maintain confidentiality.
- You need to make a commitment to training, ministry and supervision.
- Perhaps most importantly, you should be aware of which spiritual gifts will be of most value to a Stephen Minister. Sharpstown Baptist Church uses the P.L.A.C.E. program to help us identify our spiritual gifts and how to use them. If you have not already paricipated in this excellent program please do so as soon as possible.
Spiritual Gifts of Most Value to a Stephen Minister:
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Faith (1 Cor. 12:9): An unshakable trust and a deep conviction that God faithfully and reliably keeps promises. Christians with this gift have a profound belief and confidence in their relationship with Jesus that becomes an example for others.
Teaching the Faith (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph 4:11): Those who have this gift communicate with both words and actions - they live what they teach.
Encouragement (Rom. 12:8): The gift of encouragement includes the ability to inspire, comfort, motivate, strengthen, affirm, and be present with others so that they can meet life's challenges with confidence. It is this "being a little Christ" and a "little Holy Spirit" that assures others that they are not alone and that they can indeed follow God's call for their lives.
Knowing (1 Cor. 12:8): The spiritual gift of knowing is having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing the insights gained from it with others. Christians with the gift of knowing communicate much more than facts when they talk with people about Jesus -- they share Jesus Christ in ways that make Him personal and real to others.Mercy (Rom. 12:8): Christians endowed with the spritual gift of mercy have an exceptional ability to perform acts of kindness and compassion.
How Do I Become a Stephen Minister?
First, you should know What a Stephen Minister is and is not:
A Stephen Minister is...
A Stephen Minister is NOT...
How You can be Involved?
- Do you have the spiritual gifts required? ( see "Spiritual Gifts Required" page)
- Pray for our Stephen Ministry Program
- Help us stay sensitive to those who need care
- Help make others aware of the support system that is available
- Consider God's direction as to whether you should become a Stephen Minister
Above all, pray for God's guidance in this important and life-changing decision.
Finally, if you understand what a Stephen Minister is and is not and if you possess at least several of the spiritual gifts, and if the Holy Spirit is calling you into this ministry, then you should see one of our Stephen Leaders and obtain an application to become a Stephen Minister.
What Commitment do Stephen Ministers Make?
Stephen Ministers at Sharpstown Baptist church are asked to sign a Convenant whereby they promise and agree to accept the following responsibilities:
- A 24-month commitment of service to the program
- Study of the training materials
- Service as a Stephen Minister (usually involving a one-hour weekly one-to-one visit) for about 18 months following completion of the training program
- Participation in twice-monthly supervision meetings for about 18 months following the completion of the training program.Attendance at and participation in the 50-hour training program
What is the Schedule for Sharpstown Baptist Church to bring Stephen Ministries Online?
This graphic shows the ongoing process of recruiting, training and commissioning Stephen Ministers in our congregation. We are currently enrolled and accepting applications for Stephen Ministers for training. Please contact one of our Stephen Leaders or the church office to learn how you can become involved in this ongoing process.
Where Can I Find Out More about Stephen Ministries?
Click on the link below to visit the Stephen Ministries website to learn more about this international non-denominational ministry:
www.stephenministries.org