Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop

Want to be an active listener and reach out in to others in a distinctively Christian way? The half day workshop consists of three sessions designed both to enhance participants care giving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry.

“The needs for care in our congregation and community were much more than the pastors could handle alone,” said Rev. Stu Austin, one of 5 Stephen Leaders who oversee New Hope’s Stephen Ministry. “So we enrolled in the Stephen Series and are now equipping our members to provide quality one-to-one Christian care.” The workshop is sponsored by Stephen Ministries, the St. Louis-based Christian training organization that has been providing congregations with training and resources for Christian care giving for more than 30 years. Over the past 7 years, dozens of members of New Hope have undertaken 50 hours of training to become Stephen Ministers; many of them are currently active. Each meets weekly with someone who is experiencing a life crisis or challenge, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, hospitalization, the loss of a job, loneliness, or relocation. “Being a Stephen Minister has been a blessing to me,” said Stephen Minister, Kathy Orr. “I have grown so much spiritually through the experience of seeing God work through me to touch the life of my care receiver.”

The cost of the workshop is $15. For more information call 314-428-2600 or www.stephenministry.org/workshop