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Me, an Evangelist?
Every Christian's Guide to Caring Evangelism
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Caring for Inactive Members Leader's Teaching Kit
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Caring Criticism: Building Bridges Instead of Walls
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Response to 9/11
How Stephen Ministry and
ChristCare Churches Have Responded
to the Events of 9/11
Over the years Stephen Ministry and ChristCare Small Group Ministry congregations have often been on the front lines when disaster strikes, responding quickly and effectively to the needs of others in the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, as well as the Oklahoma City bombing.
Recently we have been hearing many reports of how Stephen Ministry and ChristCare Small Group Ministry congregations have provided care, support, and relief in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Here are just a few examples.
- Following the attack, Stephen Ministers at St. James Church in New York City called every member of the congregation to see how he or she was coping with the tragedy. Four members were killed in the attack, and countless others were personally affected. Several Stephen Ministers are now caring for anguished grievers as the congregation continues to mourn. A new Stephen Minister training class is under way as St. James looks to increase its pool of caregivers. The church also plans to send three more members to LTCs in early 2002 to expand its Stephen Leader team.
- At Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City, Stephen Ministers were available at the church every day for two weeks following the attack--welcoming all who came, offering prayer and a listening ear. They continue to help their pastors respond to the many "Want Clergy to Call" cards filled out by people attending worship services.
- Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, Connecticut--which lost two members and a friend of the congregation in the attack and has many others deeply affected--are helping overloaded clergy handle the many needs for care. The congregation has drawn throngs of people at all hours of the day and night, each with a story to share and a need to talk. Stephen Ministers are on hand to listen and provide care.
- A network of Stephen Ministry congregations in New Jersey organized Stephen Minister volunteers to assist the United Methodist Council on Relief in providing support to rescue workers. In addition, several Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders from a number of congregations have been involved in key volunteer roles in the ongoing relief effort.
- Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, Virginia, organized (and filled) five special ChristCare Groups on the one-month anniversary of the attack. McLean is five miles from Washington, DC, so many people in the congregation and community were closely affected by the attack on the Pentagon. These special ChristCare Groups allowed people to gather in a small group setting to discuss their fears and hurts, care for others and receive care from others, pray together, and extend God's love to one another.
Stephen Ministry congregations across the country have told us how helpful it has been to have their Stephen Ministers available during and following regular and special worship services to care for and pray with people who were struggling emotionally with what was happening.
Similarly ChristCare Small Group Ministry congregations have reported that their ChristCare Groups have been a safe haven where those struggling with the tragedies can ventilate and validate their feelings and also give and receive care and support.