By Micki Lacker, Stephen Leader
Wilshire’s Stephen Ministry program is calling for applicants for the next Stephen Minister training session, which starts in January and will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings through May. Our training covers a broad spectrum of useful and healthy topics that prepare the Stephen Minister with skills to work with others in need of support.
As a secondary benefit, this type of training serves other work in church ministry, family relationships and life in general. In fact, many present and past Stephen Ministers have found the training empowering. During my training, I practiced the strategies and skills I was learning on my friends and family. Most of this was helpful (if not entertaining), and I believe I’m a better wife, mom, grandmother and friend.
What is this ministry about? Stephen Ministers are trained lay ministers led by seasoned Stephen Leaders and our ministerial staff. Stephen Ministers are matched to work one-on-one in a confidential way with those who are hurting and have asked to receive this benefit. Care recipients may have faced the loss of a loved one, received a diagnosis, lost a job or may be navigating through a stressful time. Stephen Ministers provide a compassionate, trustworthy, faithful presence during their storm.
Wilshire members who are attracted to Stephen Ministry tend to be gifted with mercy and love and typically prefer to listen, encourage and faithfully walk alongside and build up others. If this sounds like you or someone you know, contact one of our Stephen Leaders: Debbie Meripolski, Tim Morgan, Gail Brookshire, Linda Garner or me.