Two Information Sessions on MLC’s Stephen Ministry are coming up. The first is Tuesday, October 29 with a second on Tuesday, November 12. Both will be held at 6:30 p.m. in MLC’s Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to come and learn more about this incredible program and how it brings hope and care to those it serves, and learn about becoming a Stephen Minister.
The Blessings of Serving as a Stephen Minister
Since 1975 nearly a half million Christian men and women from all walks of life have trained and served as Stephen Ministers in their congregations. Most decide to become Stephen Ministers as a way to help hurting people in their congregation and community – but very quickly discover that God gives them amazing blessings in return.
Here are some of the blessings they have experienced —
“Stephen Minister training taught me not just how to be a caregiver, but how to live life in a new way being Christ to other people. It’s an awesome blessing to be used by God to bring hope and healing to someone else, I am humbled.”
Mike Seden, Carpenter, Kennesaw, Georgia.
“Being a Stephen Minister is much bigger and better than just helping other people. It becomes part of you – it changes you for the better. My faith is stronger. I’ve learned to listen, care, pray aloud, and be more assertive. I love it! With God’s help I’ll continue to grow through this wonderful ministry.”
Doris Anderson, Cafeteria Assistant, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
“Being a Stephen Minister has been a blessing in so many ways. It’s drawn me closer to God. It’s allowed me to be Christ’s presence to another person – an amazing feeling. And its made me part of a loving, caring family of Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders who support each other in their ministry.”
Frank Noble, LCDR (SC), US Navy (Retired), Ballwin, Missouri
“God gave me a heart for other people, Stephen Ministry gave me the skills I needed to minister to other people and bring God’s love into their lives during a time of deep need. I’m humbled and awed God can use me like this.”
Charlotte Sarles, Manager-Care/Case Management, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
And one more:
“Stephen Ministry has given me a way to serve God more faithfully by being His presence to those in need. In the process God has blessed me with skills I didn’t know I had and enriched my life in more ways than I could ever imagine.”
Gene Barndt, Aerospace Engineer, Manassas, Virginia
As you can see, being a Stephen Ministry changes lives, both the caregiver and the care receiver. God has a plan and invites you to “serve whole-heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people…” Ephesians 6:7. Plan now to join us at one of the information meetings to learn more and how you can become a part of this amazing ministry. You too can be a Stephen Minister!
Information Meetings:
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 and November 12, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
MLC’s Stephen Ministry is led by Mike and Peggy Mabry they can be contacted at stephenministry@mlutheran.org
For additional questions or other details please visit www.mlutheran.org/stephen-ministry