I, who make the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
WHOM SHALL GOD SEND TO BEAR GOD'S LIGHT TO THE SUFFERING?
Our
church sends Stephen Ministers. This ecumenical lay pastoral care
program, found in many denominations and churches, is named for Stephen
(See Acts 6 -7), one of the first seven deacons named in the early
church. Stephen is considered the first Christian martyr.
We
believe each
person in this congregation carries Christ’s love in his or her heart
and
shares Christ's love in many acts of compassion. A Stephen Minister
takes another
step and makes a formal commitment to be trained as a caregiver,
becoming a Stephen Minister who carries God’s love to those who
suffer.
Stephen
Ministers are members of our congregation who receive over 50 hours of
specialized training to provide one-to-one, confidential Christian care
to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing any of
life’s difficulties - from illness and grief to family troubles and job
loss - the difficulties we all face at times.
A
Stephen Minister is someone who will “be there” to listen, offer
prayer, caring support, and to encourage the person in need. A Stephen
Minister will usually meet weekly and in person with his or her care
receiver for about an hour at a time. Stephen Ministers do not replace
the care available through Bixby FUMC clergy, but provide additional,
specialized care.
We ask for the prayers of all our congregation for this ministry...that God's purpose is fulfilled in it, and that those who receive the care of a Stephen Minister will experience God's love and life-changing presence.