Do you need to talk to a Christian friend who knows how to listen?

Would you like to talk with a qualified person about a personal situation you are dealing with? Are you looking for a caring person to help you through a crisis? The Stephen Ministry program is a free and confidential service provided by St. Peter's for its parishioners in need of care.

What is the Stephen Ministry program?

Stephen Ministry is a nationwide, interdenominational program named after Stephen, the first of the deacons in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to provide care and comfort to the Christian community.

Stephen Ministers are volunteer lay people who have completed an intensive program and participate in on-going training and supervision. They provide confidential care to those experiencing a wide range of life needs. It is an extension, not a replacement, of the pastoral care of our clergy.

What kind of care does a Stephen Minister provide?

Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who can help hurting individuals sort out their options. They do not give advice or provide solutions. Instead, Stephen Ministers:

• Extend the hand of Christian friendship
• Provide one-to-one caring, in-depth ministry to others in times of need
• Visit weekly or as needed
• Commit to a caring relationship for as long as the need exists
• Listen empathetically and keep confidentiality
• Help a person work through problems
• Encourage a person to take positive steps forward
• Use Christian resources such as scripture and prayer for support

 What training do Stephen Ministers have?

All Stephen Ministers receive extensive and ongoing training that includes how to:

• Listen
• Deal with feelings
• Understand and maintain boundaries
• Express honesty, warmth, and care
• Help in times of crisis
• Minister to those dealing with grief, divorce, death, depression, illness, and many other life challenges

Stephen Ministers receive care themselves when they attend required, twice-monthly peer supervision and continuing education meetings. Complete confidentiality for the caring relationship is maintained while Stephen Ministers support each other in their ministry.

How effective is it?

When people experience loss, grief, or other stressful changes in their lives, there is a need for an empathetic listener. Family and close friends are often too emotionally involved to meet this need.

Stephen Ministers are intentional, caring Christian friends who can help hurting individuals by their faithful, ongoing, non-judgmental presence.

Stephen Ministers believe that while they give care, God gives the cure. We have seen God acting through individuals many times during the eight years that Stephen Ministry has been a part of St. Peter's lay pastoral care.

Am I assured of confidentiality?

Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity-and what is shared in a caring relationship-will remain private.

What kinds of problems can Stephen Ministers help with?

Stephen Ministers can be comforting during times of:

• Hospitalization
• Declining health, disability, or terminal illness
• Illness or death of a loved one
• Divorce or separation of a spouse
• Severe financial setbacks
• Transition to assisted living or nursing homes
• Difficulties associated with aging
• Family or domestic problems
• Loneliness or depression
• Feelings of isolation following a move to a new city

How can I tell if I really need to talk?

You may want to consider these questions, and think about asking to talk to a Stephen Minister:

• Do I ever feel like I just want someone to listen-without giving me advice?
• Am I hurting?
• Am I feeling lonely in our large congregation at St. Peter's?
• Am I confused about events in my life?
• Do I feel like I am losing control of my life and my problems?
• Do I often feel overwhelmed?
• Do I doubt God's presence and love for me?
• Are my job worries getting me down?
• Have there been changes in my life that have caused readjustments in my lifestyle?
• Am I having difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
• Have I recently suffered a loss?

How do I talk to a Stephen Minister?

Call the St. Peter's office at 973-538-0555 and ask to speak to The Rev. Janet Broderick (ext. 16).   Once she learns about a need, and receives the person's permission, she can place a call to the Stephen Leader in charge of referrals.

The Stephen Leader meets with the person, explains how the Stephen Ministry works and then assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly, or as-needed, basis.

If you have questions about Stephen Ministry for yourself or someone you care about, you can also contact Newly Preziosi, 973-543-4721.

Who are the Stephen Ministers?

• Newly Preziosi- Stephen Leader
• Kay Failla- Stephen Leader
• Ken Boccino
• Jennifer Dyer
• Carol Franklin
• Karen Gansner
• John Roff
• Tom Schlabach
• Billie Schloerb
• Nadine Sutcliffe