The Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 and has provided training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide. Stephen Ministers are trained members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or difficult time.
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. However, sometimes there are needs for ongoing, one-on-one care that pastors can’t effectively meet by themselves. This is where the Stephen Ministry fits in. In order to provide a systematic method to care for those who are hurting, our Elders adopted the Stephen Ministry and charged the Deacons to oversee the program.
Stephen Ministry seeks to provide a thoroughly biblical solution – equipping God’s people for ministry. The Stephen Ministry logo represents a care receiver’s journey from brokenness toward wholeness through the cross of Jesus. In this way, it illustrates the Stephen Ministry motto: “Christ caring for people through people.”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way fulfill the Law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
There are times when every one of us experiences difficulties. Our Care Receivers can talk with you about a myriad of things you are facing in your life right now. Below are just some of life’s difficulties we can walk with you through.
God never intended for us to go through these experiences alone. That’s why God has brought us together as a congregation – and why we have the Stephen Ministry. A Stephen Minister will meet with you – privately and confidentially – on a weekly basis to listen, care, support, and remind you of Christ’s presence in your life.
Our Stephen Ministers are all McGregor Members and Christians. These men and women have hearts for those who are hurting and will listen, care, pray, support, and encourage you during your difficult season in life. To ensure that you are receiving high quality care, each McGregor Stephen Minister has attended at least 50 hours of in-depth training. A Stephen Minister is carefully chosen to talk with you about your situation. Stephen Ministers take these opportunities to speak with you very seriously and keep each meeting private and confidential.
Are you compassionate and a good listener? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister! For training opportunities, contact Dave Kreller or Nancy Kreller (information at the bottom of this page).
Vicky Ball, Julie Boyd, Janet Davenport, Ginny Gentry, John Gutowsky, Nancy Gutowsky, Bev Kjos, Marlene Kluch, Laura Leawood, Carol Livingston, Tom Miller, Jo Mulwee, Rose Mary Newell, Marge Nixon, Nancy Stump, Shirley Tyler, David Vaught, and Dave Youngs.
All of our Stephen Ministry leaders have received an additional week of training and are certified by Stephen Ministry International. Our current leaders are Pam Brown, Judy Brusslan, Dave & Nancy Kreller, Shirley Wilson, and Ron Wittmer.
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