In the past I've written about Stephen Ministry. It's a training program to equip lay people in the congregation to walk alongside those experiencing difficulties -- things such as illness, stress or grief. While not specifically Lutheran, many Lutheran congregations use it. Recently a Stephen Minister at my congregation spoke about his experience matching those who need such a friend with the right person. Here are his words:
"The young woman walked into the Grief Share Bible study several minutes late. No one knew her, so she got everyone's immediate attention. Her facial expressions and her body language told us that she was upset, even angry -- she was struggling with life. We quickly learned that the anchor in her life -- her father--died and her boyfriend had been lost to drugs. For the next several weeks she didn't say much, but we still became drawn to her. We all went out of our way to be friendly -- one of us texted her in between weekly Bible studies to let her know we were thinking of her and concerned about her. She responded encouragingly and began participating in the Grief Share discussions.
After the 13-week Grief Share Bible Study was over, many of us were concerned that the progress this young woman was making would be lost if someone did not follow up with her regularly. She was referred to one of our Stephen Ministry leaders who quickly conferred with her to explain how Stephen Ministry works, ensure she would like a Stephen Minister, and find the right Stephen Minister for her. The Stephen Minister selected is one of the kindest and most caring women one could know, and she graciously shared her God-given gifts with the young woman.
Well over a year later, I walked into an event of another church ministry and the young woman was there. Her facial expressions and her body language now exuded hope and joy -- she had a smile on her face. Paraphrasing St. Paul, the Grief Share Bible Study planted the seed, the Stephen Minister watered it, and it was God who made it grow. Thanks be to God!"
If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry see these posts:
What is Stephen Ministry?
A Stephen Minister's Experience Part 3
A Stephen Minister's Experience Part 2
One Stephen Minister's Experience
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