Stephen Ministry

STEPHEN MINISTRY WORK?

Stephen Ministers are lay Christians selected, trained, and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide effective Christian care to others.

This involves a 2-year commitment, an initial 30 to 50 hours of training, an average of one 1-hour visit per week, and meeting for supervision and support twice a month.

Stephen Ministers provide:

  • one-to-one ministry as trained, caring church members, reaching out to others in time of need
  • confidential ministry: continuous, conscious effort is expended to maintain the bond of trust between the person receiving care and the caregiver
  • a caring relationship that focuses on the unique needs of each person and lasts as long as the needs exist
  • at the present time, a care receiver must be a member of First Presbyterian Church
  • Men work with men and women work with women in the caring relationship

Who Needs Care? Those Who Are –

  • Hospitalized
  • Bereaved
  • Elderly and lonely
  • Terminally ill and their families
  • In Job Crisis
  • Disabled and their families
  • Separated or Divorced
  • Experiencing the birth/adoption of a child
  • and many more

Stephen Ministers At First Presbyterian Church

  • Had a divorce recovery workshop
  • Write a personal note to all bereaved church members
  • Visit all new mothers, and do a follow-up contact in six weeks
  • Support group for teen girls experiencing a family divorce
  • Have a telephone ministry
  • Sponsored a seminar on depression for our church and churches in our community
  • Sponsored a Stephen Ministry Workshop for Churches in a three state area
  • Developed a task force to study Issues of Aging and presented a seminar of experts in specific fields to speak on Issues of Aging for our congregation and other churches in North Alabama
  • Developed a Parish Visitation Program for members not able to attend church
  • Partner with The Vine Pastoral Counseling Center
  • Worked with The Vine Pastoral Counseling Center to facilitate a marriage enrichment program for a year long program of Study, Worship, and Fellowship for our congregation and others in our church community

  • Service Times

    8:00AM Early Service
    at Gideon Blackburn House

    9:00AM Sunday School

    10:30AM Main Service
    In Sanctuary

  • Welcome to First Presbyterian Church

    First Presbyterian offers many opportunities for you to become involved in ministry and utilize the talents God has given you. There are our exceptional choir and music programs, many care and support teams, education programs for all ages, and fellowship opportunities. Whether you are new to the Presbyterian church or a longtime member, a neighbor, a lover of the historic building, or whatever has drawn you here, we celebrate your participation in this community of faith.

    If you have questions about any area of service, please feel free to speak with a member of the program staff. God has brought you here and we give thanks for your being a part of the enduring tapestry of this church.