Stephen Ministers and Caregivers are trained to provide:

1. •A Listening Ear
   

2. •Prayer
   

3. •Encouragement
   

4. •Visits
   

5. •Phone Calls
   

6. •Support
   

Stephen Ministers

Prepared for  Long Term Help

Stephen Ministers  understand that sometimes life’s challenges present the need for an extended period of compassion.   A loss of a loved one, unemployment, ill-health or other circumstances can create a situation where additional support is needed.  A Stephen Minister can come alongside providing a listening ear and prayerful encouragement. Because these are ongoing situations, the caring relationship usually lasts from one to two years.

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training in confidential one-on-one Christian care giving.  They apply for the position of Stephen Minister and participate in supervision groups with Stephen Ministry Leaders. A background check is required and they are approved and commissioned by Bellingham Covenant Church.  Please follow this link to learn more about Stephen Ministry from their national website.

Care Givers

Prepared for Short Term Help

Caregivers have the same desire to help as Stephen Ministers. They may walk alongside someone for a few months or even up to a year.  Perhaps their Care Receiver is sending off their only child to college, facing a life transition, or going through a shorter term health challenge. 

Caregivers participate in 25 hours of selected Stephen Ministry classes.  This training helps prepare Caregivers for the types of needs common in a congregation. 

Caregivers apply for this position, and participate in supervision groups with Stephen Ministry Leaders. A background check is required and they are approved and commissioned by Bellingham Covenant Church.

Christians are not immune from the  difficulties of life, although we sometimes have a hard time admitting those difficulties because we’re afraid they might reflect badly on our spiritual life.  The thinking goes something like this:

Care Receivers

“If I were a better Christian, I wouldn’t be experiencing this pain.  If I admit this pain to other Christians, they might think less of me.”

The truth is, God accepts and loves you just as you are and so does Bellingham Covenant Church.  We understand that sometimes it takes extended time and encouragement to get through life’s challenges.  We are here to fulfill our role as the Body of Christ by supporting one another through these difficulties.  That’s why we offer both Stephen Ministry and Caregiver training and assistance.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
Those given the gift of compassion are waiting for God to bring them someone with whom they can minister.  We are created to love God, love one another and bear each other’s burdens. 

For more information, please contact one of the following Stephen Ministry Leaders:

Pastor Paul Petersen

360-733-5920 or

petestreet@comcast.net

Colleen Miller

360-384-2822 or

colleenconfidential@comcast.net

Kathy Lovdahl

360-733-7132

kelovdahl@comcast.net