OPEN HOUSE FOR STEPHEN MINISTRY

On Tuesday, February 14, 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall there will be an Open House/Information meeting, about the Stephen Ministry program. This provides the opportunity to speak with previous Stephen Ministers and to get lots of information about this ministry and its potential value for you, just as it has been for 100 persons previously trained at Hope Church.

Stephen Ministry is Christian caregiving. The training includes 20-25 classes, meeting Tuesday nights in the Fellowship Hall from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. beginning in early March. The following are the options for those taking the training:
Train for its personal everyday value in your contact with others, in family, work, and elsewhere. This can offer life-changing skills.

Consider being involved for a full 24 months as Stephen Ministers on call for assisting persons facing concerns in life who can benefit from your presence and your listening to them.
If you are a previous Stephen Minister, consider being part of the training group to refresh skills, benefit from the discussions and interaction, and/or to assist in the training of others.

There is additional information in the Commons and you can also call Stephen Leader, Bob Christian, (935-4801), the church office (937-9330), or speak to previously trained Stephen Ministers.


Stephen Ministers are trained as Christian caregivers in 20 - 2 1/2 hour classes meeting Tuesday evenings at the church from 7:00-9:30 P.M. Manuals provide resources for sharing, discussion, lecture, and visual materials.

Included in the training, Stephen Ministers normally serve for two years. However, after the training, should individuals find that they cannot formally continue with the program, they may be released, to personally use the learned skills in other personal life situations.

Following the training, Stephen Ministers meet twice per month on Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 P.M. for continuing education and peer counseling in support of those assigned as caregivers.

Stephen Ministry prepares a person for personal caregiving, and provides valuable skills for relationships, listening, and problem solving in all of life.

Individuals from other churches, beside Hope Lutheran, may participate in the program and serve as caregivers in their own church or elsewhere.