Assistant Pastor 

Robert C. Jacobs

Education

Members Attend “Life Changing” Stephen Ministry Training Event

 Michelle Losey and Pastor Jacobs were among 439 pastors and church leaders at a Stephen Series Leader’s training Course in Orlando, Florida, January 6-12, 2008.  Participants came from 40 states and two providences of Canada, representing dozens of denominations, yet all united in mission: leaning how to bring Jesus’ love and care to hurting people.

There was much to absorb during the week.  But everything was well organized and presented that it makes it possible to keep up.  And the 3,000 page Leader’s Manual we received at the conference takes us through the entire system.

The Stephen Ministry is an effective way to train and organize members to provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals struggling with a crisis like grief, divorce, loneliness, relocation, hospitalization, terminal illness, or unemployment.  The need for this type of care exceeds what pastors alone can provide.  All Christians are called to care for and love one another—it’s not just the pastor’s job.  By equipping laypeople we can help fulfill their calling as Christians and also expand the amount of caring ministry available through Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

We express our thanks to Pastor Brones for his support, counsel, and encouragement.  We will work closely with him to ensure that the Stephen Ministry will support his vision for the ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Michelle Losey and Pastor Jacobs are meeting every Tuesday morning to set the strategy for implementation at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  This strategy includes establishing the Values and Goals of Stephen Ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, development of publicity, recruiting and interviewing the first class of Stephen Ministers, conducting the 22 week training course that will begin in April, and then with Pastor Brones assign the trained Stephen Ministers to care receivers from the congregation in December.

If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry, how to be receive care from a Stephen Minister, or how to become a Stephen Minister, please contact Michelle Losey or Pastor Jacobs.

Pastor Jacobs and Michelle Losey

Who Benefits from Stephen Ministry?
 

Who benefits from Stephen Ministry?  EVERYBODY!  Those receiving care from Stephen Ministers benefit because they receive prayer and support throughout the crisis they face.  Stephen Ministers benefit through the spiritual growth they experience from being involved in a meaningful ministry.  Our pastors benefit because a caring ministry at Bethlehem is expanded, and fewer people slip through the cracks.  Most of all you benefit from the knowledge that a special care is available to you should you need it.  In addition, you now have a place where you can refer a friend, neighbor, coworker, relative or anyone that his going through a difficult time when they need it the most.  Having a Stephen Ministry here at Bethlehem makes this church a much more caring place!  Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."