I liken the Stephen Ministry Training to that of a journey—a 6-month journey providing the opportunity for personal and spiritual growth as we learn to care for others. Beginning in early September and concluding in early March, it’s a special journey for all involved.
Trainees enter into an in-depth study of caregiving with like-minded believers, each bringing their own unique perspective. Covering a new topic each week, every Thursday evening class is fast moving and engaging. The opportunity to share one’s thoughts and emotions in a safe and confidential environment provides the atmosphere for everyone to grow together as a group. By March, each trainee will be equipped with the tools needed to give Christian care to others who are facing significant change, challenge or crisis.
We asked the new class of trainees several questions about beginning this journey. Here are some of their answers.
What led you to take the Stephen Ministry training?
For me, this was a can’t-miss opportunity—to be a part of an actual training program that encourages the Church to give care and comfort to one another as well as the community around us. Along with the Holy Spirit’s prompting, I was also led this direction by two people who totally encouraged me to use this gifting from the Lord.
My interest in Stephen Ministry developed from reading a passage in Scripture, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” I have experienced the God of all comfort through the darkest days of intense personal loss. This verse assures me of God’s provision in my life to comfort others.
I had the tug on my heart to join for a few years; when I had the latest tug to become a Stephen Minister, all the obstacles had been removed. God’s timing is always perfect.
I knew about Stephen Ministry through a friend who took the training years ago. Through my interview with Grant, praying and seeking wise counsel, I felt that I was needing to step out in faith and start the training.
When you signed up for Stephen Ministry training, what did you hope to get out of the training, and how do you hope to use what you learn?
I hope to learn how to communicate, listen, discern, be assertive, be prayerful and to be fully present and committed to helping those that the Lord places in my path. My prayer is that the Lord will use all of the training and interaction with my fellow trainees to bring Glory to His Name.
I signed up for the Stephen Ministry training to be further equipped to provide companionship and care as I walk alongside another suffering grief and hardship. The ability to be an active, trustworthy listener, without the ability to fix a situation, is an area of training in this ministry.
I hope to hone skills of conversation to better relate to concerns of one who desires care, comfort and healing . . . to learn gentle ways of speaking God’s words of comfort. I am already practicing skills with two friends experiencing hard things.
How would you describe your first months in training?
The first few months of training have been wonderful. [I am learning to understand] the purpose of Stephen Ministry, the role of caregivers, the fact that Christ is the Cure Giver and many techniques to becoming a caregiver. Along with all that, [there is] a true bonding with other Stephen Ministers in training.
Training has been rich and full. There is a true layering of topics, without being overwhelming.
My first month’s training has been very enlightening and humbling at the same time. To read the books and notebook with the purpose of helping me to be better equipped to communicate and be able to discern how others are communicating, has been so helpful. Although the role playing can be tough sometimes, it is certainly helping me to know what to say and what not to say in different situations. Ken’s teaching, and his humble spirit as he teaches, has a way of putting everyone at ease as we learn the best way to help others. I am very blessed to be a part of Stephen Ministry.
The first couple of months of training has challenged my thinking about caregiving. It is a Holy Spirit-empowered process. The training provides needed equipping, but it is His power that transforms and provides hope and comfort. He is the God of all comfort.