Stephen Ministry at MVLC

Mountain View Lutheran Church is one of a handful of churches in the area that supports this outreach ministry.  There is a limited use of this ministry by the congregation which seems to be from a lack of understanding of the ministry and its mission.  I believe that as a human being and a Christian we all go through times in our lives that are difficult whether they are emotional, relational, spiritual, financial, medical, loss of spouse or work related.  Christians do their best to walk through life with God as they deal with their problems.  Sometime additional Christian help is needed.  This is when the Stephen Ministers develop a one on one relationship to help see where God is leading you as God solves your concerns.

Stephen Ministers are assigned on a same sex basis and all discussions are confidential.   Stephen Ministers do not reveal who they are working with. They only ask for ideas from the whole Stephen Ministry Group for the general problem they are working on with their care receiver. One of the main tenants for this ministry is that we are the care giver but God is the Cure Giver.  I know as a man the LAST thing I would do is ask for help, this made my difficulties last longer.  Whether we are male or female the first thing we must accept is “WE ARE NOT IN CHARGE” God is.  When we acknowledge this, our problems become easier to deal with and are solved in a shorter period of time.

If you are dealing with an issue that just doesn’t seem to go away you might consider taking the opportunity of this ministry.  The first step is to walk with God, and a Stephen Minister is a great companion to walk with you.  A problem shared is a problem being solved.  For more information on this ministry see Barb Lembke, Judy Root, or Tom Kaib.  To request a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Mark.

Submitted by Tom Kaib
Stephen Leader