What is Stephen Ministry?
Since 1975, this program has been in use in thousands of congregations throughout the world.  St. Paul is in a network of over thirty congregations in Lancaster County who are actively using this special ministry.  Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one Christian caring ministry of adults who have been specially trained to listen with understanding to those who are going through small or large crises in their lives.  It is a very confidential ministry that has helped many emotionally and spiritually.

Who are the Stephen Leaders at St. Paul?
After a week of intensive training given by Stephen Ministry staff persons, four people from our congregation were commissioned to head this program in our church.  The Stephen Leaders at St. Paul are Dave Althouse, Jenny Bitzer, Pastor Jim Gable, Julia Silsdorf and Nancy Weiss.  Contact any one of them for information

Who are the Stephen Ministers at St. Paul?
For over a year, this church has had the Stephen Ministry program.  At present, there are eight trained active Stephen Ministers.  They were commissioned after 50 hours of training.  They are Shirley Flickinger, Bill Flickinger, Jayne Gable, Wayne Gongaware, Joyce Loercher, Hazel Nestleroth, Mark Nestleroth, Kathy Ross, Nancy Weiss and Julia Silsdorf.

How do I access this Ministry?
If you, or someone you know, are in need of a concerned Christian friend to stand with you while you work through a difficult time in your life, a Stephen Minister can be that friend.  If you could benefit from a Stephen Minister, contact one of our pastors or Jenny Bitzer (627-1909)

Who can be a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is trained to be an encourager, a listener, a "special friend", to someone who may be experiencing any number of life's trials.  A Stephen Minister should be someone who cares about others, one who has a heart for people and is compassionate and empathetic.

Please consider being part of this ministry.  More people are always needed to share God's love in this way.  Contact a pastor or Dave Althouse (626-8129) for information or visit Stephen Ministries website at www.stephenministries.org.

Note: Stephen Ministry helps pastors enhance caring ministry by insuring that quality follow-up care is available to people for as long as it is needed.  Stephen Ministers are not:  counselors or therapists, problem solvers or clergy persons.

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