A new and ministry has been launched in Edwardsburg, designed to provide hope and healing to individuals in need of support.

Stephen Ministry is an outreach care effort that equips members of local congregations to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian caregiving to people experiencing a difficult time in their lives. Currently, three churches in Edwardsburg are involved in this ministry.

Members from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Hope United Methodist and Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church have received 50 hours of training for this confidential, caring inter-denominational ministry to our community.

Why the Stephen Series? The Stephen Series trains people in the basic skills necessary for helping others. Through lecture, discussion, and experiential learning, people learn everything they need for this caring ministry — how to be an effective listener, specific techniques for ministering to people experiencing grief, a life crisis and much more.

Currently, there are 14 commissioned Stephen ministers from these three churches who are prepared to begin ministry.

“There are times when every one of us experiences difficulties in our lives.  Times when we could benefit from the support of a Christian friend.” Carol Swope, ministry coordinator said. “Things like loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss, health issues, discouragement, spiritual crisis as well as other issues. God never intended for us to go through these experiences alone. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty in life. That’s why God has brought us together to provide Stephen Ministry.”

A Stephen Minister is:

• Someone who walks beside a person who is hurting

• A congregation member with gifts for caregiving

• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.

• Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need.

“Our ministers are equipped to walk side-by-side with someone going through a difficult time, providing encouragement and support. We are not here to provide all the answers and solve everyone’s problems, but we are here to be a confidential caring, listening ear,” Swope said.

Stephen Ministers are not professional, licensed counselors or legal services advisors.

The Stephen Ministry will be directed by Swope, who is a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish where the ministry is based.

She was recently hired by Our Lady on a part-time basis to lead and direct this ministry in our community.  Swope is nationally certified as a Stephen Ministry Leader and has been involved as a leader for 20 years.

More than 12,000 congregations of all denominations around the country utilize this ministry to not only meet the needs of their parishioners, but also the greater needs of the community. If in need of a Stephen Minister anyone can call the confidential line at 445-7425. This is a free service that is provided to anyone in the Edwardsburg/Southwest Michigan area.  For more information, check visit the www.ourladyedwardsburg.org/stephenministry.