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Stephen Ministers trained to help others one-on-one By: Loretta Johnson, Religion Editor at The Minot Daily News
	"I just need someone to talk to." When you, a friend or a family member say that, it's the time to put a call into one of the 10 members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot who were commissioned as Stephen Ministers on Oct. 26. The Stephen Ministers have been trained to provide one-on-one confidential, Christian care and support to people facing illness, sadness, change, loss or difficulties such as fear, pain or loneliness. They understand they are the caregivers and only God can be the curegiver. "One of the most significant things we learn is the power of listening," said Kathie Spaulding, one of the Stephen Leaders. "The simple act of listening can be very empowering. When people share their concerns with another caring individual, they no longer shoulder that burden alone. "My own personal experience as a care receiver motivated me to start this ministry at OSLC," said Spaulding. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, I was far away from family and friends. A pastor at the Lutheran church we attended referred me to a woman who had survived cancer and was a Stephen Minister. Having the opportunity to share my fears and concerns with someone who understood provided me with much needed support during a difficult time." Training focuses on the importance of prayer and listening while offering support and encouragement rather than rushing in to act as an adviser or problem-solver. "The Stephen Ministry program, which is an extension of pastoral care, is a great step forward in providing care for our membership as well as growing in our ability to meet needs in the community," said the Rev. Paul Krueger, pastor of the church, which is located at 3705-11th St. SW. The ministry helps those who need care for longer periods of time than a pastor can sometimes provide. Reaching out "People needing care first contact the church Stephen Leader who then matches up the person needing the care with a Stephen Minister," said Bonnie Rennich, one of the Stephen Ministers. There are no charges for the person who is seeking care. Krueger said typically a Stephen Minister meets with their care receiver for about an hour each week for as long as the need exists. Those caring relationships can last anywhere from six weeks to more than a year. The formal relationship ends when the care receivers recognize they have reached a point of strength, confidence and independence. Jennifer Bonness decided to be trained as a Stephen Minister because she felt the call to be involved in a meaningful ministry where she could use her gift of compassion in service to Jesus by caring for those who are hurting. "When information about the Stephen Ministry program was first presented to our congregation, I knew immediately that this is what God was calling me to do," said Bonness. "It was very exciting to discover my ministry and find a place to serve here at Our Savior Lutheran." "This is a very exciting time for our church as God has equipped these 10 individuals to bring a special kind of care to hurting people distinctively Christian care that can only be received from Jesus as he works through us," Spaulding said. "There are so many people in need of support and encouragement, who just need someone to listen, she said. "Stephen Ministry provides our church with the opportunity to meet those needs. Thank God for his wonderful gifts and this challenging ministry."

Stephen Ministers trained to help others one-on-one

By: Loretta Johnson, Religion Editor at The Minot Daily News

"I just need someone to talk to."
When you, a friend or a family member say that, it's the time to put a call into one of the 10 members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot who were commissioned as Stephen Ministers on Oct. 26.
The Stephen Ministers have been trained to provide one-on-one confidential, Christian care and support to people facing illness, sadness, change, loss or difficulties such as fear, pain or loneliness. They understand they are the caregivers and only God can be the curegiver.
"One of the most significant things we learn is the power of listening," said Kathie Spaulding, one of the Stephen Leaders. "The simple act of listening can be very empowering. When people share their concerns with another caring individual, they no longer shoulder that burden alone.
"My own personal experience as a care receiver motivated me to start this ministry at OSLC," said Spaulding. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, I was far away from family and friends. A pastor at the Lutheran church we attended referred me to a woman who had survived cancer and was a Stephen Minister. Having the opportunity to share my fears and concerns with someone who understood provided me with much needed support during a difficult time."
Training focuses on the importance of prayer and listening while offering support and encouragement rather than rushing in to act as an adviser or problem-solver.
"The Stephen Ministry program, which is an extension of pastoral care, is a great step forward in providing care for our membership as well as growing in our ability to meet needs in the community," said the Rev. Paul Krueger, pastor of the church, which is located at 3705-11th St. SW.
The ministry helps those who need care for longer periods of time than a pastor can sometimes provide.
Reaching out
"People needing care first contact the church Stephen Leader who then matches up the person needing the care with a Stephen Minister," said Bonnie Rennich, one of the Stephen Ministers. There are no charges for the person who is seeking care.
Krueger said typically a Stephen Minister meets with their care receiver for about an hour each week for as long as the need exists. Those caring relationships can last anywhere from six weeks to more than a year. The formal relationship ends when the care receivers recognize they have reached a point of strength, confidence and independence.
Jennifer Bonness decided to be trained as a Stephen Minister because she felt the call to be involved in a meaningful ministry where she could use her gift of compassion in service to Jesus by caring for those who are hurting.
"When information about the Stephen Ministry program was first presented to our congregation, I knew immediately that this is what God was calling me to do," said Bonness. "It was very exciting to discover my ministry and find a place to serve here at Our Savior Lutheran."
"This is a very exciting time for our church as God has equipped these 10 individuals to bring a special kind of care to hurting people distinctively Christian care that can only be received from Jesus as he works through us," Spaulding said.
"There are so many people in need of support and encouragement, who just need someone to listen, she said. "Stephen Ministry provides our church with the opportunity to meet those needs. Thank God for his wonderful gifts and this challenging ministry."