Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is our congregation’s one-to-one care giving ministry. The scriptural basis for the ministry is Galatians 6:2 which says, “Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”
Stephen Ministers are members of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church who have been selected and trained to provide effective, confidential Christian care to people in our congregation who are going through a loss or other life difficulty. Everyone goes through difficult times. Stephen Ministers are available to listen, care, pray, and walk along side members as they deal with the confusion, stress and the loneliness they may be experiencing. God does not intend for His children to struggle alone.
These “difficult times” may include:
• Unemployment or job crisis
• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Lonely or discouraged
• Relocating
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Loss of health
• Caring for an ill family member
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is …
➢ A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
➢ A caring Christian who really listens
➢ A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
➢ A person who is ready to focus on your needs
➢ A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say-even your identity- confidential
➢ Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.
A Stephen Minister is NOT…
➢ A counselor or therapist
➢ A problem solver
➢ Someone who runs errands or helps with chores
➢ A casual visitor.
How to contact the Stephen Ministry:
If you would like to request a Stephen Minister or find out more about the ministry, you may contact the referral line at any time. That number is 954-334-5110. Your message on that line is kept confidential. If you know a member who is going through a difficult time, you may give them the information and encourage them to call.
If you would like to become involved in the Stephen Ministry and find out more about the training, please call 954-334-5110.
Current Stephen Ministers:
Carol Brudenell
Jamie Edgemon-Smith
Villa Ellis
Becky Gearing
Doug Graham
Ann McClintock
Mary Kay McDowell
Ralph Nelson
Dorothy Brazeau Riser
Earline Sublette
Dorothy Taylor
Shirley Uricho
