First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside

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First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside
Stephen Ministry

One - to - One Christian Caregiving

First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside has been involved with Stephen Ministry for 8 years. Over 60 members have attended Stephen Ministry training. We have a lasting lay commitment to caring. Our congregation as a whole is growing in warmth and love. People receiving the caring and support experience an increased closeness and involvement with our church. Stephen Ministers experience personal growth and enrichment of their own lives.

Stephen Ministry is..

A lay caring ministry in which one person reaches out to another in time of need.
An ongoing helping relationship in which people in need get help.
Meaningful ways for us to more fully use our talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.
A religious and educational system of training and organization, which is already working in many congregations throughout the country.
A ministry named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church.

Stephen Ministers help people who are...

Hospitalized.
Grieving the loss of a loved one.
Lonely.
Depressed.
Separated or in the process of divorce.
Dying, as well as families of those who are terminally ill.
Experiencing loss of job or financial setbacks.
In trouble with the law.
New to our congregation.
Struggling with their faith in God.

A Stephen Minister is a..

Caring Christian - desiring to offer support to others in time of need.
Sharing Christian - bringing who she or he is to each helping relationship as a partner in another Christian's life.
Trained Christian - who has developed helping skills through rigourous coursework.
Dedicated Christian - commissioned by our congregation in confidential, in-depth sharing.

A Stephen Ministry training program equips interested women and men to care for people who are experiencing one of a wide variety of difficulties. Following 70 hours of training, our church commissions the Stephen Ministers into active, caring ministries. People in need of support who are willing are matched with a Stephen Minister through contact with the pastors or the Stephen Leaders. If you have any questions, please call the church office.