Have you ever had a time in your life, when you felt like the world was against you? Maybe you lost a job, went through a divorce, lost a parent, became an empty nester or just felt like nothing was right in your life.
I have seen a counselor in my day. There is nothing wrong with that. We all need a specialist sometimes. Seminary was a big one for sure. I’ve even had to go on antidepressants, until I could get my life straightened out. That was okay too. However, sometimes, our care doesn’t warrant that type of assistance.
I know I have felt that way. You have close friends and family, but you can tell, they might be getting tired of hearing about your problems. Or they are constantly offering advice. You know the kind I’m talking about. “It’s been six months, time to move on.” “You did your best, it’s in the past.” “I’ve got a friend I’d like you to meet.” Or the dreaded, “God has a plan in all this.” I want to offer this little nugget; “XXXXX is living because Christ has given her a gift and a faith to survive. Her perseverance is nothing short of a miracle. I have been blessed to have her in my life. Such a will to go on. She has taught me in the time I have gotten to know her that if you believe in Christ, he will care for you.”
The last statement, which is taken from a Facebook post recently, makes it sound as if, those who die, died because their faith wasn’t good enough. Or maybe my own faith wasn’t good enough. So, therefore, things that happen are because I am not faithful enough.
My Goodness, I don’t think that’s what the good Lord was thinking. Do we forget to ask God for help or thank God for good and bad times? Yes we do. We are human. However that doesn’t mean that out faith; or my faith isn’t “good enough”.
With all that being said, this is where I would like to introduce you to the Stephen Ministry. The lay-person who takes on this role, doesn’t pass judgement, make “wacky” statements, tell you to “Suck it up”, “get over it”, or “move on”. The Stephen Minister will walk with you for as long as you need them. They pray with you and listen to you.
These people go through 50 hours of training on how to listen, not gossip or pass advice. They listen and pray with you, help you sort out what you’re feeling. They are trained to know when they can no longer handle the situation, and when to refer you to the professionals. They are held to a very high standard of confidentiality too! Can you honestly say that about others in your life? Maybe you can, and if so you’re a very lucky person. Will that same person get “tired” of your “whining” and break confidentiality? You know that friend may need to talk to someone too. They might even whine and complain about you.
Stephen Ministers meet with Supervisors who help them walk through how they are helping you. Names and specifics are not shared at any time either. They meet so they can make sure they don’t tell you those things you don’t need or want to hear. They check in to make sure they are not crossing a line, or setting inappropriate boundaries. What’s even nicer, is that women are paired with women and men with men.
I wanted to be a Stephen Minister, when I heard about the program a few years back. I truly believed I was being called to be a Stephen Minister. I just couldn’t find a congregation with a program after we moved. Nor was I able to provide the commitment they were looking for, when I did find one.
Now that we are in a new congregation, there is a new opportunity to introduce Stephen Ministries to our congregation and the surrounding community.
Although very overwhelmed in the beginning, I believe I am not called to be a Stephen Minister. I am called to be a Stephen Minister Leader. 50 hours of intense training myself, with a group of close to 400 people all there for one purpose. Different denominations that just want to care for the people, in a Christ like manor. The way Jesus tried to take care of the people. I like the idea that Stephen Ministers are like Jesus with skin on. No they cannot do miracles, they are not Jesus. They are people who are just there for you.
They do however share of love of God, and treating people in a caring and loving way. Galatians 6:1-3 says it best:
The Voice (VOICE)
6 My spiritual brothers and sisters, if one of our faithful has fallen into a trap and is snared by sin, don’t stand idle and watch his demise. Gently restore him, being careful not to step into your own snare. 2 Shoulder each other’s burdens, and then you will live as the law of the Anointed teaches us. 3 Don’t take this opportunity to think you are better than those who slip because you aren’t; then you become the fool and deceive even yourself.
If you are interested in more information about the Stephen Ministry, you will find the web address below. There may even be Stephen Ministers in your congregation or community. If not maybe you can speak with your church leaders and start a Stephen Ministry program. If you have questions, please ask me.
https://www.stephenministries.org/
Stephen Ministry: Christ Caring For People, Through People.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).