Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of God - Galatians 6:2

As those who know the love of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the comfort and hope of the Holy Spirit, members of SSPC believe that we are called to share this “good news” with others in daily living and in times of crisis in personal and communal living.

The Congregational Care Ministry Team is one avenue through which we live out this calling. Members of the Congregational Care Ministry Team reach out to those of the congregation who are sick, grieving, in transition, burdened, and in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. We do this through meeting practical and social needs as well as spiritual comfort.

We do this through many avenues, and you are invited to click on the links below to find out more about how you can reach out in care to others.

Stephen Ministry is an international, ecumenical organization that equips laypersons to extend the pastoral care ministry of the church by providing “uniquely Christian care.” Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing life-faith challenges and transitions.

The vision of Stephen Ministry in SSPC is to experience the presence of Christ as we accompany one another through the challenges of life and faith. Stephen Ministry nurtures and educates those who are called to a deeper commitment to care for others through one-to-one relationships.

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips laypersons to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals with a connection to our congregation who want the support of an additional supportive relationship in a time of difficulty or challenge.

A Stephen Minister is…

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregational member with gifts for caregiving, who is carefully selected to serve in this role
• A layperson who has received extensive training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
• Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver through regularly scheduled  weekly visits lasting about an hour for as long as there is a need

Active Stephen Ministers are:
John Foster
Judy Foster
Connie Herndon
Lyneath Kapp
Gail Ledbetter
Kashey Odum
Nat Scott
Marj Smth
Brenda Williams

In addition, there are more than 25 trained Stephen Ministers who have completed their service commitment, and remain in reserve to be called upon as needed.

Stephen Leaders provide training and oversight for the program, including a twice monthly Peer Support Group meeting. Current Stephen Leaders are:

Jann Briscoe
Molly Macaulay
Nancy Matthews
Page Shelton 

To request a Stephen Minister for yourself or to refer someone you believe would benefit, please contact Jann Briscoe (912 269-0212).

For more information on Stephen Ministry, visit their website.