GracePointe

Naperville Campus

    • Naperville - Stephens Ministries

     

     

    What is Stephen Ministry?
    This is a ministry that equips lay people to come along side people who are in crisis and/or grief and share the journey from broken to whole.  It is a process-oriented ministry; we are the caregivers and God is the cure-giver.
    How does it equip people?
    Stephen Ministry is a listening ministry; we are trained to use reflective listening skills.  Many times what we think we heard is not necessarily what the speaker thought they were communicating.  We all have filters in place that can prevent us from hearing what the other person is saying.  This ministry trains people to acknowledge and understand their own filters so that they can be that “cup of cold water” to a thirsty person.
    Cup of Cold Water
    Christianity in its’ purest form compels us to be “as Christ-like towards others as possible”.  Stephen Ministry provides in-depth training and understanding to help us better use the gifts we have been given and in that respect, be that cup of cold water to a thirsty person.
    How does it work?
    We come alongside people when they are at their worst and offer unconditional acceptance.  We create an environment of trust and confidentiality that allows people to share their thoughts and feelings in a way that helps them to begin to make sense of a world that for them has spun out of control.
    It sounds like a lot of work
    There will be times when you will feel challenged by this ministry.  It will forever change for the better the way you communicate with the people in your life.  When you seek first to understand, and then to be understood, the dynamics of all your relationships begins to shift.  This creates a depth in your interpersonal relationships, furthers the use of your spiritual gifts and helps you to continue to become as Christ-like as possible towards other people.  You will have stronger relationships and greater peace in your life.
    How can I learn more?
    Classes start in September, please contact Patricia Lathrop in the church office at; 630-355-4126 for additional information or visit the web site at; www.stephenministry.org.

    What is Stephen Ministry?

    This is a ministry that equips lay people to come along side people who are in crisis and/or grief and share the journey from broken to whole.  It is a process-oriented ministry; we are the caregivers and God is the cure-giver.


    How does it equip people?

    Stephen Ministry is a listening ministry; we are trained to use reflective listening skills.  Many times what we think we heard is not necessarily what the speaker thought they were communicating.  We all have filters in place that can prevent us from hearing what the other person is saying.  This ministry trains people to acknowledge and understand their own filters so that they can be that “cup of cold water” to a thirsty person.


    Cup of Cold Water

    Christianity in its’ purest form compels us to be “as Christ-like towards others as possible”.  Stephen Ministry provides in-depth training and understanding to help us better use the gifts we have been given and in that respect, be that cup of cold water to a thirsty person.


    How does it work?

    We come alongside people when they are at their worst and offer unconditional acceptance.  We create an environment of trust and confidentiality that allows people to share their thoughts and feelings in a way that helps them to begin to make sense of a world that for them has spun out of control.


    It sounds like a lot of work

    There will be times when you will feel challenged by this ministry.  It will forever change for the better the way you communicate with the people in your life.  When you seek first to understand, and then to be understood, the dynamics of all your relationships begins to shift.  This creates a depth in your interpersonal relationships, furthers the use of your spiritual gifts and helps you to continue to become as Christ-like as possible towards other people.  You will have stronger relationships and greater peace in your life.


    How can I learn more?

    Classes start in September, please contact Patricia Lathrop in the church office at; 630-355-4126 for additional information or visit the web site at; www.stephenministry.org.

    Questions about being a Prospective Stephen Minister can be directed to Patricia Lathrop at 630.355.4126 or