FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH WELLNESS MINISTRY ~ Bobbi Way

Tired of fighting your spiritual battles alone? Consider experienced and professional assistance from the seasoned veterans in the Wellness Ministry. Contact Lyla Calhoun at 330-722-1271 or Bobbi Way at 330-725-5190.

A Stephen Minister’s Legacy ~ Linda Lee  Marty

When I ponder of my Stephen ministry experience, I can easily compare similarities to Stephen, the most notable deacon of the first seven deacons appointed by the apostles, and for whom we were named.  Most Protestants have two recollections of this Catholic patron saint.

He was considered the first Christian martyr He saw” Heaven open up” and some believe his soul was taken to heaven before he felt the first stone.

Few of us can recall the works that were attributed to him and the real reason that led to his demise. He was accused of blasphemy because the Sanhedrin thought the talk of the Messiah and salvation “The Good News” was preaching against God and the old prophets.  However, he stood steadfast in his convictions that the Messiah had come and prophecy had been fulfilled. For his religious convictions, he was dragged throughout the city of Jerusalem and stoned by an angry mob. When one recalls the inner working or the dynamics of mob psychology, we know that all it takes is one strong leader to out shout and dominate the rest of the crowd.  Following that, a great percentage of people will wallow in fear of being “different” and follow the shouting leader. That’s what happened to the disciples after Jesus was arrested and that continues to happen today, as we water down our religious convictions so as not to offend others. We hear statements that the Bible is archaic, the Ten Commandments should be relabeled the “Ten Suggestions” and we remember that our gracious God forgives sins, but we conveniently forget that Jesus Christ also said, “Go and sin no more.” Unfortunately, a new philosophy of ‘God understands everything and behavior will have no consequences’ has permeated today’s churches and has modernized “The Good News”.

Stephen Ministers are taught they are caregivers not cure givers, which gives all the control to God. When people face crisis they may follow two paths. Some may chose to reclaim those good old Christian tenants for security and hope and others need to have a safe and confidential environment in which they are carefully listened to and allowed to express their anger, disappointment, and abandonment without fear of judgment and retaliation.  Stephen Ministers are dedicated to giving that distinctive Christian care. How do we know that God is always in control? It is because Stephen Ministers pray for themselves to help deliver the best ministry to their care receivers, pray for their care receivers, engage in Bible reading, but most of all is that we believe, even though we do not know all the answers. This is symbolized in the Stephen Ministry’s logo where the cross of Jesus is the most dominant feature Representing the care receiver is the broken person behind the cross symbolizing how we are all broken by our own sins and imperfections.  The circle represents a symbol of God’s eternal never ending love for us and as Stephen Ministers we are an extension of that love as care givers

Equally important to me is as to why I believe is set forth clearly in the story of Stephen. The angry mob leader who stoned Stephen, as history records, was Saul of Tarsus, who would later have a strong conversion and become the apostle Paul. Paul, as we all know, is labeled as one of the great evangelists and is responsible for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Also, Carlo Crivelli’s painting in 1476 of Stephen depicts three stones around his head which to me represents the three premises of Stephen Ministry. These stones define my role as caregiver, remind me that the relationship is strictly confidential and emphasize the need for proper training. His arm around the Gospel reminds me that I am not in control of the outcome and the Holy Spirit will intervene on my behalf. If you feel the call to this service, please consider joining Stephen Ministries in January 2009.