Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing a wide variety of life challenges and circumstances, both in our congregation and our community. For over two decades, Stephen Ministry at PPC has cared for persons experiencing crises including illness, death, divorce, job loss, depression, and life's many transitions.
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister, please contact Lisa Newton for confidential assistance.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME
SOMEONE REALLY LISTENED TO YOU?
We're talking about that undistracted, full attention kind of listening. That's one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others. Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness.
WHY IS IT CALLED "STEPHEN MINISTRY"?
The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6) Stephen Ministers have been through 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving, including topics such as listening, feelings, boundaries and assertiveness. The training also covers topics such as ministering to the divorced, hospitalized, bereaved, and aging.
Prayer Shawl
Ministry
Shawl Ministry, sponsored by the Stephen Ministers, constructs and delivers prayer shawls to individuals who are experiencing major life events and need to be wrapped in warm, comforting love. Our hope is that the recipients benefit from knowing others have been and will continue praying for them. PPC prayer shawls are free and available to the community. Recipients are not limited to PPC members, but we do like to prevent multiple requests for the same recipient.
