Stephen Ministry

What is a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers care for people facing tough times. They are lay people in the congregation who have received extensive training to provide emotional and spiritual care, both within the Brentwood congregation and outside of it. Confidentiality is paramount; Stephen Ministers maintain privacy for their care receivers and regularly attend peer supervision sessions to ensure they are providing competent, compassionate support. Stephen Ministers are well-trained listeners and spiritual companions; they are not licensed therapists and counselors. Stephen Ministers serve as an extension to Brentwood’s pastoral staff; ministers’ support is available as long as a need exists. Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are…

* Hospitalized
* Terminally ill
* Recovering from surgery or illness
* Bereaved
* Recently separated or divorced
* In a job crisis
* New members of the church
* Disabled
* Homebound
* Lonely
* In a spiritual crisis
* Looking for a caring, Christian friend
 

Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministry training involves significant time and energy, but it is a deeply rewarding area of service. Ministers report they experience positive changes in their personal lives, too, which typically is the result of increased awareness and improved listening skills. A minimum of 50 hours of preparation is required before someone becomes a Stephen Minister. Candidates attend classes in crisis theory, listening skills, assertiveness training, intervention and role-playing. Trainees will begin coursework this fall and are commissioned in the spring. Contact Rev. Charlie Bahn if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister here at Brentwood.  You can also learn more about Stephen Ministry by visiting www.StephenMinistries.org.