Stephen Minister's Job Description

Purpose:

• The Stephen Minister is committed to providing a one-to-one caring ministry to persons in need (i.e. in times of loneliness, of illness or hospitalization, of grief or other crisis situations).  This does not replace any of the exisitng programs at Bethel nor does it detract from the ministry of our pastors. 

Accountability:

• Stephen Ministers are directly accountable to the Stephen Leaders and to Bethel's Pastors.  

Responsibilities:

1. Mandatory 50 hours of training.  See training schedule. 
2. You will be asked to sign a group covenant.  See sample. 
3. Study all the materials used in the course, including books and articles.  There will be a charge for materials.  If needed, scholarships are available. 
4. Participate in ongoing supervision and continuing education on a bi-monthly basis for the balance of the 24 month commitment. 
5. Be available for service as a Stephen Minister (averaging 10-12 hours per month) for 18 months following completion of training. 
6. Respond promptly to referrals made by Stephen Leaders. 
7. Seek to establish a one-to-one caring relationship following such a referral.  Visitation will normally be on a weekly basis.  The goal is for each Stephen Minister to have at least one, but not more than two caring relationships at any given time. 
8. Maintain confidentiality at all times by not discussing care receivers by name or implication. 
9. Set aside time on a regular basis for Bible reading and prayer.  Pray especially for care receivers, other Stephen Ministers, and Stephen Leaders.