The Stephen Ministry program at the First Presbyterian Church of Elko offers confidential, Christian caregiving not only to members of this church family, but also to anyone in need of Christlike care in the Elko, Nevada, area, regardless of their faith or religious affiliation.

 

Volunteers from within this church family undergo extensive Stephen Ministry training to become dedicated Stephen Ministers. This group of deeply caring, compassionate individuals heartily welcomes new members to its ranks. Those looking for an invaluable way to serve others while growing spiritually and emotionally and learning and practicing life skills under direct peer supervision by the Stephen Ministry team, are encouraged to sign up for Stephen Minister training. The 50 hours of training is spread over several months, meeting one night a week. When the training is complete, the trainees become Stephen Ministers, ready for a care receiver assignment and participation in peer supervision sessions and continuing education.

Stephen Ministers respond to requests from or referrals to those in need of Christlike comfort, emotional support, prayers, and a compassionate, listening ear. When a request or referral for such help is received by the Stephen Ministry team, a same-sex Stephen Minister is confidentially assigned to the person in need. The assigned Stephen Minister commits to keeping in touch with his or her assigned care receiver at least weekly to offer whatever comfort and support the Stephen Minister is capable of providing.

Reaching out for help from a Stephen Minister can be done discreetly and privately. Relationships between Stephen Ministers and their care receivers are kept confidential. Most members of the Stephen Ministry team do not even know the identities of other Stephen Ministers' care receivers.

The care and support of a Stephen Minister can be a literal Godsend during times of crisis, or when individuals or families are suffering from health concerns, personal loss, joblessness, divorce, stress, or depression.  Please keep this opportunity in mind, should you or others you know be in need of this type of free, personalized, Christian care and support.

For more information or to become or request the assignment of a Stephen Minister, contact  Pastor Pat at pastor@ElkoFirstPres.org or (775) 738-3430. More information about Stephen Ministries can also be found at http://www.stephenministries.org/ .