Stephen Ministry FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q - How much of my time will it really involve?

A –There are 50 hours of training, including a weekend retreat at the beginning of training. As a Stephen Minister you will visit your care receiver once a week for about an hour. You will also attend two meetings per month for supervision and continuing education.

Q – How much money will this cost?

A – Greenville Oaks will pick up half the cost of the training materials. We anticipate that each Stephen Minister will pay $30 at the beginning of training. If this financial obligation is an issue, please talk with a Stephen Leader rather than letting it being a barrier to using your giftedness.

Q – Will I have to spend money on the person I am caring for (the care receiver)?

A – No, you are not expected to spend money on the care receiver. You are also not expected to personally provide any other specific services such as transportation or childcare.

Q – Will my phone be ringing constantly?

A – No. You will care for one care receiver at a time. If the care receiver begins to call too often, you will learn to respond to the excessive calls or demands in a loving, assertive manner.

Q – Will our ministers and elders still help people?

A – Most definitely! Stephen Ministers complement their ministry and provide additional, longer-term care to those who need it.

Q – What if I get in over my head?

A – You will never be knowingly assigned to people who need professional care. The Stephen Ministry training also helps you know exactly when and how to help your care receiver. The Supervision group will also help guide you as to the direction of your caregiving and provide support for difficult times.

Q – Who will be the care receivers?

A – Members of Greenville Oaks who are experiencing times of special needs as well as other people in our community who turns to us for help.

Q – Will the care receiver really want my care?

A – Yes. A Stephen Leader will meet first with the care receiver. Only after the care receiver understands the ministry and has agreed to meet with a Stephen Minister will you be contacted.

Q – Are other people as scared or apprehensive about this undertaking as I am?

A – Probably so! But the training will eliminate much of this fear because you will not only learn what to say but also how to listen.

Q – How do I learn more about the Stephen Ministry?

A – Contact the church office at 972-727-2359 and they will get you in touch with a Stephen Leader or email .

 

Back to the Stephen Ministry

Information about Stephen Ministers

Who are Stephen Ministry care recipients?

Stephen Minister Application