1:1 compassionate, process-oriented support in Christ’s name in times of crisis, transition, and chronic circumstances.
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Hear what NewSong is saying about
“I was assigned a Stephen Minister when I was unemployed for a long period of time. My minister met with me weekly... . We talked about just about anything we wanted to, not just spiritual things, and certainly not job counseling, just what was on my mind. … I appreciated the time my Stephen Minister spent with me, and I looked forward to our weekly meetings.” ~ a male Care Receiver
“As a single parent facing many challenges it is so encouraging to have my Stephen Minister call me and meet with me on a regular basis to listen, pray, encourage and share her observations with me. The power of an adult Christian woman focused on my needs for about an hour a week is a huge dose of good medicine to keep on doing what I have to do. Asking for a Stephen Minister is one of the best things I have done for myself and those I care for.” ~ a female Care Receiver
and from our Stephen Ministers who are commissioned—
“For some time I have considered training as a Stephen Minister. I know that the Lord made me to be a person who wants to care for people's life journey in a very meaningful way. At the same time I have trouble with enmeshment and asserting my personal boundaries, and so I hesitate in exercising this kind of care. This is covered in
This program … has far exceeded my expectations. I came into the training knowing that
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“I chose to become involved as a SM because I have a spiritual gift of wisdom and counsel. … I have felt led to take steps to formalize my actions in this area and to serve others outside my circle of family and friends. My experiences with SM training have been very good. … the training has helped to form and expand existing knowledge, teach new related areas of understanding and to equip and give me a bit more assurance. I've had to encounter things that don't necessarily come easy to me (role playing, lots of classes, lots of reading) but the experience of becoming uncomfortable at times has only caused me to grow and help me develop. The fellowship with others involved has also encouraged me through the commitment as well.
How I live out my faith continues to evolve as I grow older. Part of that reality for me is to live as missionally as possible. I believe the basis for this … is through personal relationships … . I will be the first to tell you that I LOVE my time alone! … But, God has also planted a seed to embrace others through relationships and to comfort with the comfort he has so graciously given me. SM has allowed me to grow in this area with hopes to … serve others in the name of Christ, in humility.” ~ Thaddeus Gallizzi
“My
I have become more assertive in my every day life because of my training. I am also communicating better in my marriage, and using tools to resolve conflict. I am loving my husband more and seeing him in a different light. I am listening more and having a new understanding. I believe this is all from being in the
“Without looking at the training manual, I can see the illustration of The Mud Hole. The Stephen Minister has a firm grip on the root [of the Tree]. The ground he’s standing on might be soft. He could slip. But the Tree won’t fall in the hole. . . . You don’t have to be a Stephen Minister to do that. But if I, as a Stephen Minister, finally do that, then that is the most important thing I can show my Care Receiver.” ~
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NewSong Church