Are you going through a difficult time?
Stephen Ministers at the 2009 Fall Kick-Off
Stephen Minister 2009 Christmas Party
Consider the encouragement and support of a Christian Caregiver.
Stephen Ministry is an integral part of Greentree Community Church's CARES ministry. Compassionate caregivers are available to those who find themselves in many of life's transitions or crises. If you are in need of a listening ear our prayerful companions are available.
A Stephen Minister is for those who are ...
In a spiritual struggle. Grieving the death of a loved one. Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization. Unemployed or in a job crisis. Coping with a chronic, terminal, or serious illness. Caring for a family member with some kind of disability. Facing a life transition. Dealing with separation or divorce. Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Going through the process of adoption. Victims of a disaster or accident. Lonely or discouraged. Suffering through a lost relationship. Experienced a miscarriage. Recently relocated to St. Louis.
A Stephen Minister is ...
A church member who has received extensive training in compassionate, empathetic listening. Someone who walks beside a hurting person. A person who is ready to focus on your concerns in a non-judgmental way. Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for an hour a week, for several weeks or months, as the need indicates. A trustworthy, dependable, confidant who will keep everything you say - and even your identity - confidential. Someone who is carefully matched with a person in need (men with men, women with women). Someone who will pray and share scripture with you at your request.
A Stephen Minister is not ...
Someone who runs errands or helps with chores. A casual visitor. A counselor or therapist.
Click here to see a personal perspective about our Stephen Ministry.
Click here to see a personal conversation about the benefits of a Stephen Ministry relationship.
Click here to see a male perspective about our Stephen Ministry.
New Stephen Minister Training Class - October 1st
A new Stephen Minister Training Class will begin with a retreat the weekend of October 1 & 2. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please email Karen Lovell, , for an information packet and application.
Continuing Education
May 19 - Mary Ann Griffith, MAC, PLPC, from the Greentree Counseling Department, will be speaking to Stephen Ministers from 7:00pm - 8:00pm at the Greentree Church Office. The congregation and guests are welcome to attend.
September 15 - Linda DeSmet, MA, Gerontology, will speak on "How to Love and Honor your Aging Parent without Losing Yourself in the Process." Linda will provide a description of the upcoming 8-week class by the same name, and with the help of previous class members will briefly discuss the 10 Fundamental Principle of Caring from a faith-enhancing approach. 7:00pm - 8:00pm at the Greentree Church Office. The congregation and guests are welcome to attend.
If you would like a Stephen Minister or would like to join our ministry team for training, contact Karen Lovell, 314.909.9197 x 154.