To "listen" to another's soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another.
(Douglas Steere, Gleanings: A Random Harvest)
Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:11-12)
Stephen Ministry
In this lay ministry, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need for support through one-to-one caring relationships. All contacts are confidential.
Stephen ministry came to Reveille Church in 1991, when the first class of Stephen ministers was trained. Today there are over 20 active Stephen ministers. Each of them has completed a 50-hour training program and meets twice monthly for support in this ministry. Stephen ministry is a national program and Reveille's program works with other churches in the Richmond area who share in this ministry. In addition, Reveille's Stephen ministers are also involved in national workshops and training events.
Stephen Ministers Care
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Stephen ministers might meet the needs of individuals with these kinds of thoughts:
- "Life is more than I can handle alone right now."
- "I'm adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move."
- "I'd like to have someone in my life to talk to who really cares..."
A Stephen minister is...
- a child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
- a caring Christian friend who really listens.
- a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
A Stephen minister is not...
- a counselor or a therapist.
- a problem-solver.
- a casual visitor.
How do referrals work?
- A person—you, a relative, or a friend—is hurting and in need of Christian care.
- The Stephen ministry referrals coordinator learns about this need for care—from a pastor, the person, or a friend, always with the person's permission.
- The referrals coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen ministry.
- With the person's permission, the referrals coordinator assigns a Stephen minister to meet with the person on a weekly basis.
- The Stephen minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care with strict confidentiality.
- Stephen ministry meets the needs of individuals who are...
- hospitalized
- terminally ill
- bereaved
- in a job crisis
- new members of the church
- disabled
- homebound
- lonely
- in a spiritual crisis
Becoming a Stephen Minister
Stephen ministry is not for everyone. It is for individuals with distinct spiritual gifts for listening, pastoring, and guiding. If you believe you have those spiritual gifts, please contact the minister for congregational care to schedule a conversation about this ministry.
Care Ministries
- Home Visitation: Volunteers make monthly home visits to older adult members to provide support and companionship.
- Seasonal Flower Delivery: Volunteers deliver poinsettias on the Sunday before Christmas and Easter lilies on Easter Sunday to home-bound Reveille members.
- CareNotes: CareNotes can be found on a display rack in the hallway leading to the sanctuary and in a additional locations throughout the church. They address a variety of topics relating to many difficult and painful solutions in which we or someone we know, find ourselves.
- Funeral Greeters and Receptions: Reveille provides ushers for funeral services and also provides a reception in the fellowship hall, so that families in mourning may receive friends and guests.
Support Ministries
- Angel Ministry: This ministry reaches out to women who have had recent pregnancy losses or miscarriages.
- Service of Remembrance: This informal worship service is held in early December to remember Reveille members and other loved ones who have died. A reception is held following the service.
