April 2017
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6201 Vollmer Road, Matteson, Illinois, will host a Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and refreshments will be served.
The half-day workshop consists of three sessions designed both to enhance participants’ caregiving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry.
St. Paul Lutheran Church has had a Stephen Ministry since 1999. Currently, six members have trained to be Stephen Leaders, and these leaders recruit and train additional people for Stephen Ministry service.
“Our goal is to have training for new Stephen Ministers each year,” says Pastor Matthew Troester. “So far we have trained 55 Stephen Ministers since beginning the program here at St. Paul.” Once trained, a Stephen Minister commits to two years of service, but may continue longer if they so choose.
At St. Paul, the Stephen Ministers are assigned to care for those both in the congregation and community, working with people who are experiencing such life crisis as hospitalization, retirement, financial setback, the loss of loved ones, or any number of other difficulties people face in daily living.
“Stephen Ministry helps our members fulfill their Christian calling to love one another,” says Pastor Troester. “Loving and caring for people isn’t just the pastor’s job – all Christians are called to minister to one another.”
The cost of the introductory workshop is $15 per person or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. For more information, or to register, call Stephen Ministry at 314-428-2600. Or register online at stephenministry. org/workshop.