What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members ~ called Stephen Ministers ~ to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

Our Stephen Ministers have now completed 50 hours of in-class training. They will continue to receive continuing education for the next 2 ½ years of their commitment.

A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour. Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a life difficulty or a crisis. Stephen Ministry helps us fulfill the first part of our mission statement as we seek to become A Caring Fellowship.

Please speak with Pastor Connie (connie.jordan-haas@viennapres.org or 703.938.9050, ext. 116) if you want to talk about having a Stephen Minister.

May God’s compassion and mercy be freely shared through the healing care of our Stephen Ministers!

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

J O H N B A R R

Being in fellowship and supporting one another in Christ is a gracious gift. Others in my life patiently encouraged me to open my heart to God, and I will be blessed to help others in their time of difficulty and life challenges.

S U S A N B A U E R

Caring for and serving our congregation in big ways and small was very rewarding for me as I served as a Deacon for the last 3 years. Moving into Stephen Ministry was a natural path for me to be able to continue to care for our congregation but in a more intimate way with members one on one We all have times when we need a person to come along beside us to listen without judgment and be present. This is what Stephen Ministers are trained to do and what I pray I can do in this ministry.

D O N N A B E R T S C H

When I retired from teaching, I was looking for a way to connect more deeply with Christ's community here at VPC. Stephen Ministry feels like home now We are a community of individuals who each desire to walk alongside someone in need of the presence of another human with compassionate, listening ears I am delighted, blessed, and humbled to serve in this ministry.

I’ve been very fortunate to have supportive family and friends to reinforce my faith. I look forward to being part of the Stephen Ministry support network in our church community.

I desire to serve and demonstrate the love of Christ as I journey with those who are experiencing challenging times. It is an honor and privilege to be used by God and I stand ready to provide you with the support you need – a listening ear, encouragement, prayer, a sounding board, a light, a constant presence

I’ve enjoyed being a friendly, caring listening ear for those who are homebound through serving home communion and visitation and have been blessed by those relationships I look forward to extending myself further as a Stephen Minister to walk alongside those who are struggling as I seek to live with intention and purpose to love and serve God and others!

Like you, I’ve had some pretty rough times…and my lived experience helps me “get” how hard being or feeling alone can be. Sharing some of your struggle (of whatever type) with another man helps. You matter, I care, and in God’s light we can take a few steps forward together.

As a family historian, I value one’s story. Finding God in the details of my own challenging story has given me hope and empathy for others as they face life’s difficulties. It will be my honor to walk alongside you as you experience a challenging new chapter of your life.

In 2022, I asked God to use me in a way that would have a positive impact on someone else, to truly be a vessel for his love. A firsthand experience of what Stephen Ministry does for care receivers, being asked to join this important ministry was a no brainer (after much prayer!) This will be my privilege

I enjoy using my gifts in listening and communicating to others about the hard day to day issues we confront from time to time. The emphasis on how Christ’s power and love meets us in those needs in a confidential one on one relationship is a way I can be part of our caring fellowship at VPC.

P A U L M A Y E R

There are times when we feel hurt or hopeless or lost. You might know the signs already because you’ve seen them in your loved ones or when you look in the mirror. It can be disorienting, like an impenetrable fog, but God always gives us a path forward As a Stephen Minister, I’m there to help focus His guiding light.

E

Stephen Ministry is a way I can pass on the deep, compassionate caring to another person that I have received, by God’s grace, during times when I was hurting This confidential, one-on-one ministry is a safe place to work through difficulties of many kinds. I trust in God’s power and love to bring comfort and growth in the process.

I believe our God is loving and merciful and that He can and does redeem our pain and suffering. He has worked His healing power in my own life, and I have been blessed beyond measure as a result. It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside someone going through a difficult and trying time.

L E E S C O T T

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

I have always listened avidly to people's stories, sharing in their joys and sorrows. And I have seen how the Holy Spirit worked in my life through human vessels I look forward to being a vessel for the Holy Spirit in others' lives.

C Y L V I A T O Y

Life is good, but life does throw us some punches, doesn’t it? Having endured lifethreatening medical and challenging personal crises, I’ve developed greater empathy for others going through difficult times. The Lord walked with me all along. In a similar way, it will be a privilege for me to walk alongside, listen, and be present for you in your time of need.

R O B I N W A L L I N

I have experienced loss and grief and benefited greatly from the loving support of others. I look forward to giving back and now also being a caring presence for others.

D E B B I E W I L S O N

God has carried me through devastating circumstances, and I have seen His amazing love and power at work As you face your own difficulties, I would like to walk by your side, knowing that God will provide you with His healing touch in your life

I M A N Z A B E T T

I have been active at VPC since my arrival in the Washington D C area Through Stephen Ministry, I have found one of the greatest opportunities of sharing the love of Christ with others