by Linda Cutshall, Director of Congregational Care

Unlike the give and take of friendship, a Stephen Minister’s clear purpose is to listen to you and focus on your issues. Stephen Ministers don't share their own problems with the care receiver as a friend might.

Friends often aren't very objective. It’s easy for friends to take the person's part even if they might not feel that way if the situation were a little different. Their friendship might cloud their judgment at times.

A Stephen Minister can provide balance and perspective. They resist the temptation to "fix things" or push for results, as well-meaning friends so sometimes do. They empathize without getting tangled up in the person's feelings. They listen in ways that let the care-receiver find his or her own solutions.

Stephen Ministers are just regular people who naturally enjoy listening to people: Melody Fosmore, Owen Pearson, Catherine Purdy, Julia Sensenbrenner, Maria Scheleen, Mary Ann Thomas and Carol Van Nuys. In June we’ll be joined by Mary Douglas, John Scheleen, Deanna Stelling and Megan Ward. We’ve had hours of training on skills like active listening, dealing with feelings, Christian caregiving and setting boundaries. We've had our own share of bumps and bruises along our journeys and when appropriate are glad to share what we've learned with people we meet with.

We view our caring as ministry; “Christ c aring for p eople t hrough p eople.” We pray for the people we meet with and humbly seek God’s guidance. Give Linda Cutshall, Dawn Dekoster or Bruce Devereaux a call if you’d like to explore having a Stephen Minister, 284-2222, ext 13. Men are always paired with men and women with women.