Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. We’re brought up to be strong, self-sufficient, independent people. We tend to think that if we ask for help, it is a sign of weakness. So we try to keep our struggles hidden, stuffed deep inside. However, that’s not God’s plan. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God wants us to care for others—and allow others to care for us in our time of need. If you’re sad or struggling inside, don’t suffer alone. Ask for help. We’ve got a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help you through a tough time. (It’s confidential too!) Find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders: Ted Dittman, Stephanie Grant, or Dick Williamson. They may be contacted through the church office at 770-540-3263 or through the contact form below.
What Issues Are Stephen Ministers Trained To Address?
We will all experience challenges and difficult situations in life – times when we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers are equipped to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or life change such as:
- Hospitalization or medical crisis
- Divorce or separation
- Loss of a loved one
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual Crisis
- Unemployment or job crisis
- Chronic or terminal illness
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Caregiver stress
- Empty nest
- Parenting & grand parenting challenges
- Military deployment of a loved one
- Financial stress
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- Many other life changes
Stephen Ministry provides care for those in our church and community facing difficult life situations. Anyone who surrounds a person in crisis- such as parents, spouses, adult children, siblings and other loved ones- may also request and benefit from having a Stephen Minister. Because some issues can affect many others, just one of these people receiving this support could make a significant difference for all. No one but you and your Stephen Minister will know about this support.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
- Children of God who walk beside those who are hurting.
- Congregation members who are carefully selected to serve in this role of ministry because of their gifts of caregiving and compassion.
- Laypeople with 50 hours of training in providing high-quality distinctively Christian care.
- Caring Christian friends who listen, care, pray, support, and encourage without judgement.
- Those who meet faithfully each week with their care receivers for as long as there’s a need.
Accept and Support Stephen Ministry!
Every member of Asbury Chapel plays an important role in the service of Stephen Ministry. Here’s how you can support Stephen Ministry and those around you:
- Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
- Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God does not expect you to bear your burdens alone.
- Tell a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about Stephen Ministry.
- More Information
For more information visit the Stephen Ministries website at Stephenministries.org
Contact Us
Your connection with a Stephen Minister is completely private. Anything you share will remain confidential.