The PBS show "Religion and Ethics" recently aired the following video about Stephen Ministry:

 

CPC chose to implement Stephen Ministry in response to God’s love and Jesus’ command, “Love one another, even as I have loved you". Stephen Ministers answer this call in a special way by “being there” for people who need a Christian presence amid the struggles of life. God did not create us to be independent; He created us to be interdependent. In fact, God’s word calls us to “bear one another’s burdens". Through Stephen Ministry, God has touched countless lives in over 8,000 churches worldwide. People whose needs might otherwise slip through the cracks have come face to face with Jesus’ love through their Stephen Minister. 

If you find yourself now or in the future facing difficulties in life, don’t succumb to society’s norm of remaining strong and suffering alone. Take the courageous step of seeking help. Open your heart to receiving God’s love and grace through another person. Our Stephen Ministry offers the opportunity of a very confidential relationship with someone who will listen to you and provide you with the care and encouragement you need, while Christ works inside to bring rest to your weary, burdened heart.

Since Stephen Ministry began at CPC in 2004, we have conducted 3 training classes and plan to have another training class in Fall 2010. In those 3 classes, 21 Stephen Ministers have received 50+ hours of comprehensive training in care giving. Since 2004, Stephen Ministry at CPC has confidentially helped 36 people.

For more information about Stephen Ministry care for yourself or for a friend, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders; Kelly Johnson,  Maren Finkel, or Janet McCauley through the church office (703-830-0098.)