Christ Caring for People Through People  

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Stephen Ministry is a program at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who....

• express God’s care through their lives to others;

• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;

• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;

• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;

• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained   Stephen Leaders;

• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;

• serve for at least two years;

• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion.”  Colossians 3:12

The Stephen Ministry program began at our church after the completion of the Stephen Ministry Leaders Training Course in Seattle, WA. in July of 1999. Those that attended were the Rev’d James Robinson, the Rev’d Noel Wygiera, Joyce Morrison and Roger Yeoman. As of Easter 2003 we now have completed two 50 hour training sessions giving us a total of 17 parish members who are active Stephen Ministers. Many are currently ministering to the specific needs of individuals who have accepted one on one help from this confidential ministry, on referral of the Rector. The present Stephen Ministry team includes: Pam Crust, Maureen Ebel, Pilar Gateman, Beth & Michael Golia, Jennifer Greve, Barb Kaupp, Nadia Lehbauer, Dan LeRoy, Gail Price, Joyce Morrison, Pam Mundell, Judith Robinson, Molly Stallard, Bernard Stillwell, Roger Yeoman and Denise Zonta. In July 2003, the Rev’d Andrew Horne completed the Stephen Ministry Leaders Training Course in Ontario, CA.  In July of 2004, Pam Crust, Pilar Gateman and Molly Stallard completed the Leaders Training Course in Ontario, CA.   

We now have a fully functioning Leadership Team with the following responsibilities assigned.

• Supervision Group Co-ordinator       - The Rev. James Robinson.

• Training Co-ordinator                       -  Pam Crust

• Continuing Education Co-ordinator  - Pilar Gateman

• Stephen Leader Team Co-ordinator  - Joyce Morrison

• Referrals Co-ordinator                      - Molly Stallard

• Awareness Building Co-ordinator     - Roger Yeoman

If you would like to know more about the scope of Stephen Ministry please visit the official web-site at  http://www.stephenministries.org/Stephen_Series/