STEPHEN MINISTRY

Providing individual care to people who are hurting and in need.

Stephen Ministry at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church

Turning an issue over to Christ with the assistance of another human has been proven over thousands of years to have a healing effect on people. To this end, as part of its many ministries, Silver Spring Presbyterian Church is privileged to be a Stephen Ministry congregation. Stephen Ministers are members of our church family who have been trained to listen with empathy to any issue that may be causing emotional or spiritual pain for individuals.

Stephen Ministry at its core is a Christ-oriented, Christ-centered process. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen with empathy and compassion which helps a person address and resolve painful issues going forward. Stephen Ministers are trained to help a person gain a deeper perspective on an issue. A Stephen Minister, with Christ’s help, can suggest ideas that may stimulate a person’s progress in developing and discerning a solution which is brought to Christ through prayer. This is the fix that heals.

How does Stephen Ministry fit into the Silver Spring
mission, vision, and ministry of the church?

Stephen ministry is supplemental to SSPC’s pastoral care process. Deacons, Friendly Visitors, Helping Hands, Small Groups etc. have a mission of service to the members of the congregation and community. Most of our church work is done in groups and in public. Stephen Ministers are of service to individuals and the work is completely confidential and private. Reasons for requesting a Stephen Minister’s visit may range from grieving the loss of a loved one, experiencing a major illness, going through a divorce, family problems or other life difficulties.

What is the relationship between Pastors and Stephen Ministers?

The subjects and issues discussed with either are privileged and never shared unless the care receiver approves. A Pastor may suggest that an individual consider a Stephen Minster to further and deepen a discussion. A Stephen Minister may recognize that the care receiver may benefit from a discussion with the Pastor, but in either case the conversations with the Pastor or the Stephen Minister will remain confidential. Information is not shared unless it is with the consent of the care receiver. The care receiver must remain in control of all conversations.

There may be situations when a Pastor is not available to make a visit to someone homebound or in the hospital. A Stephen Minister may be asked to cover the call. The substance of the call remains confidential unless the care receiver consents that it can be discussed with the Pastor. The fact that a visit was made will be recorded.

How to request a Stephen Minister

To request a Stephen Minister contact Rev. Wahlig, Rev. Chase or the Stephen Ministry Intake Coordinator, Sally McGaffin. The coordinator will interview a person who would like a Stephen Minister and decide which minister would be suited to the person’s needs. Women minister to women and men to men.

From this contact:

The Stephen Minister and the care receiver meet and together sign a care contract. The purpose of the contract is to confirm the commitment to confidentiality and the guidelines of the program.
The Stephen Minister and the care receiver meet regularly to develop trust and process-oriented goals.
Stephen Ministers attend monthly meetings for continuing growth and education and give anonymous reports on cases under their responsibility. These discussions are designed to improve the effectiveness of the minister not the specifics of the care receivers’ problems.
The ministerial process continues until the care receiver and the minister agree that closure is appropriate. This agreement may take some time but can initiate the conversation. Any discussion of closure must be centered on the care receiver’s needs.

What are the guidelines and boundaries of the program?

Stephen Ministry is first and foremost confidential. Any conversations or consultations outside the relationship are agreed to by the care receiver.
Stephen Ministry is non-judgmental.
Suggestions to change behavior or try a different approach to an issue can be suggested by a minister, but the decision to change is the care receiver’s.
Discussion should be centered on the spiritual journey toward Christ.
Scripture study and reflection is encouraged. Other readings and meditations as determined by the participants are appropriate.
Sessions are opened and closed with prayer to provide spiritual direction and gratitude.