How can we love a little louder? This lent, we will gather each week to engage with messages from members about several Saint Luke ministries in which we care for one another and those in our community. As we hear inspiring stories and find out more about how Saint Lukans shout and show God’s love beyond the church walls, we too will be inspired to join the mission to know, love and serve Christ.
Big thanks to Susan Saxer, who helped kick off this series by sharing about the support and caregiving program known as Stephen Ministry.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
-Galatians 6:2, NRSV
Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 as a non-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri by Ken Haugk, Ph.D, Psychology, and a Lutheran Pastor. Over 13,000 congregations across 29 countries now have Stephen Ministries. Saint Luke is blessed to be one of those congregations.
Our Stephen Ministers are trained Care Givers, who are assigned to a one-on-one relationship with a Care Receiver, who is experiencing a difficult period in his or her life. The Stephen Minister walks with his or her same gender Care Receiver on a regular basis until the difficulty has passed. Listening and prayers fill the approximately one hour spent together each week. People may seek support from Stephen Ministry for a variety of reasons such as the loss of a loved one, sickness or prolonged recovery, loneliness, grief, loss of a job or other meaningful aspect of life, stress, caregiving fatigue, etc. Regardless of the reason, they are sure to find support, love, and encouragement during a challenging time.
We believe that Stephen Ministers are windows through which God’s Light shines! While Stephen Ministry is not professional counseling and does not handle situations related to divorce, substance abuse, or mental illness, it is a confidential helping relationship. Our pastors and the Stephen Ministry Leader are the only ones who know the Care Receiver and Stephen Minister. All conversations are held in confidentiality and are opportunities for God’s love to be shown. If at any point a Care Receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, our leaders can suggest a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource. We know that we may be one piece in your puzzle of healing, and feel honored to be a part of your journey.
Next Steps
TRULY PRAY FOR THOSE IN PAIN
There are people in our congregation and community that are facing difficult times. When we are faced with others' heartache it can be tempting to quickly say “I’ll pray for you” and turn our eyes from the pain, quickly forgetting what we witnessed. Instead, as you notice suffering around you, slow down. Grieve. Then, most importantly pray. God hears our prayers. Also, as you talk to God remember those supporting people on their healing journeys, such as pastors, counselors, therapists, and Stephen Ministers. May God’s light shine through them as people heal. May God sustain them, energize them, and give them wisdom.
REACH OUT FOR HELP
God never meant for us to face life alone. If you are hurting, we know that it takes courage to ask for support. At Saint Luke, we will make space to listen to you without judgment, and to follow Christ’s example of continual love. We take Jesus’ words: “Love one another as I have loved you” (-John 15:12 RSV) seriously. We may not have all the answers but we will support you as you seek wholeness in your life. Wanting some local support, but you are not near Saint Luke? There are other loving churches like us all over the world & God is up to good everywhere. If you are not sure where to start check out other ELCA churches in your neck of the woods.
STAND ALONGSIDE THEM AS THEY HEAL
There is so much pain in our world, but God is greater and we have the opportunity to join in the great work of healing hearts. For some this may mean that you explore being trained to become a Stephen Minister. Let us know! For others, you may find other ways to bear one another burdens. Trained or not, we all can stand alongside others as they heal. Pick up the phone and call that person that you know is lonely, drop a note in the mailbox, deliver some cookies, or offer a ride to treatment. Listen, be present, love.
Great loving God, help us to be gentle with ourselves and with one another as we all seek your healing of our hearts and in our world. Amen.