Good Grief: A Constructive Approach to the Problem of Loss
Price: $4.95

Journeying through Grief
Price: $9.95

More than a Parting Prayer: Lessons in Care-Giving for the Dying
Price: $15.00

The Heart of Stephen Ministry - DVD
Price: $7.95

God's Love in Action Brochure--Customizable
Price: $5.00

Stories about Stephen Ministry in Action

Walking Together in Love,
Growing Together in Christ

Twenty-four years ago, Joanne, the young mother of an infant child, was devastated by the unexpected death of her husband. In the weeks and months that followed, she tried several ways of dealing with her grief, but found few resources to help her. As a result of this experience, a seed was planted in her heart--a desire to be there for others who faced similar circumstances.

Several years later, when Joanne saw a notice in her church bulletin calling for people to serve as Stephen Ministers, she responded. "It sparked something in me," Joanne said. "I went to the training, and I've been with it ever since."

In her decade of service as a Stephen Minister, Joanne has had the opportunity to care for people with a variety of needs, including a recent care receiver who was a young widow. Joanne noted, "This care receiver's circumstances were similar to what mine were. It was very satisfying to be able to give her the kind of help I didn't have."

Like many Stephen Ministers, Joanne has noticed a positive ripple effect on many other aspects of her life as a result of her involvement in Stephen Ministry. "It helps me handle my friendships and family relationships more maturely, and before I retired a couple of years ago, it improved the way I related to my co-workers, too. I think I've developed a more compassionate and listening nature." Joanne also uses the skills she's learned as a Stephen Minister in her volunteer work with a local ministry that aids the working poor.

Another of Joanne's caring relationships provides a powerful example of how Stephen Ministry can transform lives--the care receiver's life and also the caregiver's. "My care receiver had suffered a job loss. While she was still dealing with that, she developed a serious chronic illness. Along the way she experienced other job losses as well. We met every week for several years."

Though the formal relationship has come to a close, Joanne and her care receiver still remain close friends, talk frequently, and get together when they can.

Joanne said, "I learned a lot from walking beside her all those years. And I mean that both literally and metaphorically, because we actually walked together every week during our meetings. It enriched both of our lives in ways we never could have imagined."

Walking together in love. Growing together in Christ.

For Joanne, and for thousands of people like her in congregations all over the world, this is the hope--and the joy--of Stephen Ministry.

Previous Page