Stephen Ministry Update . . . This year St. Mark’s commissioned
five additional Stephen Ministers.
Stephen Ministers: Hope Fair, Murphy Fair, Steve Miller,
Ann Scales, Tom Hoooper, Dave Roesler, Linda Krehlik, Patty Uselton, Liz
Bennett
Stephen Leaders: Rachel Givens, Paul Givens, Robbie
Hooper, Pam Roesler
The Stephen Series . . . is named for the martyr Stephen,
one of the first laypeople commissioned by the apostles to perform acts
of caring ministry (Acts 6). The Stephen Series logo depicts the very essence
of that lay-caring ministry. Simple in its elements, the logo is composed
of a broken person behind a cross and a whole person superimposed on the
cross. This cross in the center reminds us that the path from brokenness
to greater wholeness is through Jesus Christ and the caring ministry of
his people.
What Is the Stephen Series?
The Stephen Series is a system for training laypeople to do caring
ministry. Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop
their talents for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are grieving,
depressed, or experiencing other stresses in life.
Why Lay Ministry?
The Stephen Series is designed to train laypeople for caring ministry.
Loving others in Jesus' name is a challenge and an opportunity for all
who are God's children. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege
of all Christians, for the Holy Spirit has given gifts to each Christian
to use in service to others and to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Stephen Ministry will rely on the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to our
lay members so that, as more people are equipped to care, Christ's love
for us is able to go out from us in ever greater and more effective ways.
