Stephen Ministry is a Bethel lay ministry which delivers uniquely Christ-centered care. Our ministers receive at least 50 hours of training prior to accepting their first care receiver assignment. This ministry is free of charge and will be provided only if the potential care receiver wishes to establish the Stephen Ministry relationship.

Stephen Ministry is not counseling or therapy. Some people's issues are too complex for Stephen Ministry assignment. Ministry training contains material to assist them to recognize when to refer issues to professionals. A Stephen Minister doesn't do errands or provide transportation.

Stephen Ministers make appointments with care receivers at an agreed upon location. Stephen Ministers are assigned to a person of their own gender on a one-to-one basis. The minister accepts only one care receiver at a time. The visits are coordinated with the care receiver. Some meetings are by telephone, but face-to-face visits are more effective and desireable.

Stephen Ministers listen carefully to the care receiver and through reflecting and clarifying, the care-receiver is often able to make enlightening discoveries and important life-decisions. Stephen Ministers listen and provide spiritual, scriptural visits as the care-receiver wishes. A Stephen Minister listens and prays with or offers prayers on the receiver's behalf as desired.

Supervisory sessions with Stephen Leaders are part of the ongoing training for Stephen Ministers. One of the most unique traits of Stephen Ministry is its confidentiality. Only the Stephen Minister and Leaders know who is visited and particulars of why.

If you want to become a Stephen Minister, need this service yourself, or know someone who would benefit from a Stephen Minister relationship, please call Pastor Wilson, John Jens, or Wayne Thaemert.

One of Christ’s roles is that of the Good Shepherd.  The Shepherding Team is a group of ordinary folks who are very committed to gently lead, care for, and watch out for the welfare of His flock.  We want to plan and put into action ways for us at Bethel to step up our level of care for one another.  So often members have a need, or they stop coming, and it goes unnoticed.  That’s not because we don’t care but, more likely, because many of us are not as connected as we would like to be to our church family.

When this team was organized in the summer of 2006, we decided to start by concentrating on members in the hospital, members who are homebound or in nursing homes, inactive members, and visitors.  We send cards and notes and make calls and visits.  Since then, we’ve added a subgroup which is a Meal Ministry.  Headed by Marg Anderson, this group steps in when a church family or individual is in need of one or two meals a week for a period of time.  This could be just once, or it could go on for a month or so.  With many people sharing the responsibility of preparing and delivering meals, it is not too much of a burden on anyone.

Currently, we have about twelve members who are actively participating on the Shepherding Team with others joining us in the Meal Ministry.  But, we’re inviting each of you to help.

Here are a few ways you can participate:

• Pay attention to who is in the hospital or nursing home and who is homebound and call or visit them (and let the church office know).
• Make it a point to introduce yourself to someone you may not know
• Greet and talk with our visitors.
• Call someone you haven’t seen at church for awhile.
• Notify the church office if you have a concern about someone at Bethel (hospitalization, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, absence from church, etc.)
• Volunteer to prepare and/or deliver a meal to a Bethel member in need.

For some, doing these things comes naturally.  For others, it may mean stepping out of our “comfort zone”.  But think how rewarding it will be to become more connected with your church family.  And think about how good you would feel about receiving care from your church friends if you were in need.

There is no limit to how many can be on the Shepherding Team.  Ideally, this team will grow in numbers and we will all be “shepherds” caring for God’s sheep at Bethel.  Remember, shepherding the whole congregation is more than a one-person job.  Attending meetings is not necessary since most of our business is carried on via email.  But having email is not a requirement.  We also have a mailbox where information is available about who needs our care and what we need to do.  The amount of time spent is determined by each participant – however long it takes to make a couple phone calls, send a few cards, make a visit, prepare a meal, etc.

Please share your questions, concerns, and ideas with Peggy Schilpp.  Most importantly, call her and let her know you would like to join the Shepherding Team.