The Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care for those in our church family or community who are experiencing a life crisis or hardship.
The Stephen Ministry is comprised of trained "Stephen Ministers" who:
Express God's care through their lives to others
Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care
Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen leaders
Commit to preserving the confidential nature of their caring relationship
Serve for at least two years
Receive continuing education throughout their years of service
GriefShare
GriefShare is a caring ministry that provides a safe place for people who are grieving the death of a loved one to experience healing and recovery. GriefShare comes alongside those who are grieving and equips them with Christ-centered resources that enable them to begin the journey from mourning to joy. Comfort, teaching, and encouragement are part of each 13-week session. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 PM; new members may come any week of the 13 sessions. Some of the topics include Living with Grief, When Your Spouse Dies, Why?, God's Prescription for Grief, Stuck in Grief. For more information regarding this ministry for yourself or someone you know, brochures are available at the Information Center in the Commons, or you may call the Church Office or visit the GriefShare website at http://www.griefshare.org.
DivorceCare
The DivorceCare ministry is intended to bring acceptance and help to those who are experiencing separation or divorce. DivorceCare helps participants deal with the pain of their past by offering them Jesus, the only true healer, so that they can have hope to rebuild their lives. The 13-week seminar (a DVD with a different teaching of a divorce-related topic each week) and support group (discussion time for participants to relate the DVD to their lives) is led by people who understand both the pain of divorce and have experienced healing in Jesus Christ. Some of the seminar topics include; Facing My Anger, Facing My Depression, Facing My Loneliness, New Relationships, Financial Survival, KidCare, Forgiveness, and Moving On, and Growing Closer to God. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM; new members may come any week of the thirteen sessions. DivorceCare is open to LCC attendees and the broader community. To learn more about this ministry for yourself or someone you know, brochures are available at the Information Center in the Commons. Call the Church Office or visit the divorcecare site at http://www.divorcecare.org.
If you have another need or concern please feel free to call the Church Office and ask for Carl Noakes, Director of the Care Ministries. He may be able to assist or direct you to the help or care you need.
