Stephen Ministry at Concordia brings care to all in need. This confidential, Christian caregiving is a vital part of the total caring ministry here. Stephen Ministers are trained to aid the care receivers to more effectively deal with their own situations and to grow. As a care receiver you may:

• develop stronger ties with a community of Christians
• accept forgiveness and grace from God and others
• learn positive attitudes and expectations
• develop a foundation for holistic stability in your life
• nurture a healthier ego and a realistic self-image

As you experience a particularly difficult situation or crisis in your own life, please consider receiving this ministry for yourself. If you have a desire to refer a friend or family member to receive this caring ministry, please remember to receive their permission for a contact to be made. Call Kim Pape at 422-2429 ext. 107 in either instance. And remember, God alone is the One who takes broken individuals and makes them whole. Visit the Stephen Ministry website at http://www.stephenministries.com/.

Pray for Stephen Ministry:

• That God will powerfully use Stephen Ministry at Concordia as an instrument of His peace, His healing, and reconciliation in the Body of Christ.
• That our Stephen Leaders always look to God for strength and wisdom as they direct our Stephen Ministry, teach and supervise our Stephen Ministry, and those in need of care with a caregiver.

Pray for the Caregiving by our Stephen Ministers:

• That God will provide them with the time and energy they need to be effective in their ministry
• That God will enable them to hear what the care receiver tells them and what The Holy Spirit is saying to them
• That God will fill their hearts with His compassion and mercy, enabling them to speak the truth in love

Pray for our Care Receivers:

• That they will be blessed by the caregiving of their Stephen Ministers

Pray for our Congregation:

• That people be sensitive to caring needs around them and respond with a caring, listening ear and referring people to Stephen Ministry when appropriate
• That people be open to receiving care from others, recognizing that God intended us not only to live and care for others but also to be loved and cared for by others.
• That people always think of Stephen Ministry as a place they, and people they know, can receive care when facing life difficulties.

Pray for Recruitment of New Stephen Ministers

• That all members recognize God is calling them to ministry, identify their spiritual gifts, and find places in our congregation where they can utilize their gifts to glorify God.
• That God will place a strong calling upon the hearts of those who are gifted for Stephen Ministry, and be willing to respond to His service.
• July is Stephen Ministry Awareness Month. Look for a special display and materials in the Family Center throughout the month that tell the story of Stephen Ministry here at Concordia.