Stephen Ministry


Stephen Ministries website

See the church calendar to find Wellsville Baptist Church Stephen Ministries events.

Stephen Ministry is an interdenominational program began in 1975 to provide one-to-one, ongoing,  confidential, peer-supervised Christian care to those in crisis.  Designed  to compliment pastoral care, visits can continue for as long as needed.

  • The funeral is over - everyone has gone home - and you are hurting worse than ever.  A  Stephen Minister can let you talk through your grief for as many months as it takes.

  • The job hunt has dragged on,  leaving you down on yourself and scared.  A  Stephen Minister will stick with you until you get it figured out.

  • Your marriage is troubled or ending / your children are acting out / you feel your life is out of control.    A Stephen Minister can walk your path with you and keep your confidences.

  • Your  faith is shaken, you don't know what to believe anymore.   A Stephen Minister can meet you where you are spiritually to talk it through, without passing judgment, or pushing an agenda.

  • You are finally clean and sober.  Now how do you  stay that way?  A Stephen Minister can be another source of  support and a listening ear while you rebuild your life.

**New Program**

If you are ready to get sober and have a desire to  stop using,   a Narcotics Anonymous meeting will be available  on Mondays  beginning in late February.  It is not affiliated with the Stephen Ministry program.

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What is a Stephen Minister?

A Christian friend who:

  • Will LISTEN to YOU,  one on one confidentially, and will  meet weekly with you  for as long as you need to talk to someone.
  • Is concerned, non-judgmental, and has no agenda other than showing God's love to you.
  • Will pray for you.  Will pray with you and offer spriritual support if that is what you want.

 

 

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are members of Wellsville Baptist Church:

  • who have demonstrated a strong gift for compassion and dependability.
  • who are commited to maintaining confidentiality.
  • who have completed 50 hours of  S. M. training on listening and compassionate  care.
  • who have been commissioned by WBC for this  confidential Christian ministry.

 

How can I get a Stephen Minister?

Call WBC office for a referral consultation with the pastor or Carol Fleming, (785)883-4121.  Assignments are made by the pastoral staff and/or  Stephen Minister referrals coordinator.  ALL requests and assignments are confidential.  No one will know you have a Stephen Minister unless you tell them.

If you have a friend you think might want a Stephen Minister, please ask your friend if it is OK with them for you to call.

Do your gifts fit this ministry?

Stephen Ministers are  people who are compassionate, caring listeners that want to learn to be better,  and love the idea of one-to-one service.

The training program is one night a week for about 13 weeks and is taught about every other year.  The commitment is for two years of service, and includes twice a month ongoing peer supervision and continuing education.  Your commitment to your care receiver will be about 1 hr a week.

Call the WBC office or (785)883-4121 for a consultation with the Stephen Ministry Leadership.