The Stephen Ministers at Green Acres Baptist Church care for people facing tough times. We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty.
Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry at Green Acres Baptist Church equips our members to provide confidential, one-to-one
Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community over the age of 18 who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.
Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who:
- A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
- A congregation member with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
- A church member who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
- A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
- Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.
Stephen Ministers are not:
- Counselors or therapists
- Problem solvers
- Individuals to help with chores or run errands
- Casual visitors
Stephen Ministry meets the needs of people including, but not limited to:
- Loss of a loved one
- Hospitalization
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual crisis
- Unemployment or a job crisis
- A terminal illness
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- A chronic illness
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- And many more
How do I learn more about Stephen Ministers at GABC?
- Darryle Dunks 903-525-1165
- Bren Dunks 903-525-1165