Prayer
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20
VOFprayer
Would you like help with prayer? Though it's easy to give thanks to God in the good times, in the tough times it may seem as if God doesn't exist. At Vineyard of Faith, we have a prayer team that will help you get though those tough times. If you would like to submit a prayer request though our prayer chain you can through our request page. If you need someone to talk to you can meet one of our prayer partners, or Stephen Minister. To get a hold of one you can contact our office or come to the altar during our prayer time on our Sunday mornings.
What is a Stephen Minister?
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
A Stephen Minister Is . . .
- A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
- A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
- A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
- A caring, Christian friend who listens, care, 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
Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministers care for People Facing Tough Times
We all experience challenges in life-times when we could benefit from the support of caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as:
- loss of a loved one
- Hospitalization
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual crises
- Unemployment or job crisis
- A terminal illness
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
- A chronic illness
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
love one another as I have loved you.
John 13:34
The Stephen Series logo symbolizes the we all are broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.
Stephen Ministry Is Your Ministry
You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:
- Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
- Accept care from a Stephen Minister during you time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
- Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
- If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Stephen leaders Are . . .
Trained leaders in our congregation who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry.
- If you, or some one your know, could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister ...
- If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister ...
- If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry ...
... talk with one of our Stephen Leaders.