Stephen Ministry Commissioning
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
On April 30 and May 1, Our Savior’s had the great pleasure of commissioning Jeanne Carter, Bob Nelson, Robert Peterson, Amber Oorlog, and Ben Weins as Stephen Ministers. After completing 50 hours of in-class training, they are now ready to begin their service as members of this caring ministry team, providing compassionate Christian care to those who are going through difficult times. It has been a remarkable journey for them, of learning and growing in their understanding of what it means to minister to others in the example of Christ’s love. We are pleased to welcome them on board OSL’s Stephen Ministry team.
Stephen Ministries has been a key part of OSL’s Caring Ministries program ever since it first began in 1988. With its Christ-centered approach, it has provided comfort and support to people through over 700 assigned caring relationships within our congregation and beyond its walls. Through yearly class offerings, OSL has trained over 350 of its own Stephen Ministers, and now, with the addition of our newly commissioned class members, Our Savior’s will have over 30 active Stephen Ministers serving within our congregation. Through this lay ministry, God continues to bring healing to those who are hurting, and blessings to all who are a part of this one-to-one ministry.
If you yourself are going through a difficult time and are in need of a little extra support, contact the Church Office, 605-336-2942, and ask to speak to a Stephen Ministry Team leader; we will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Stephen Ministers are ready to walk with you, so you do not walk alone.
Or perhaps you would like to know more about how you can become part of OSL’s Stephen Ministry team. Contact Deb Harlan, Stephen Ministry Liaison, or me with any questions you may have about the training and ministry itself. Just call the Church Office, 605-336-2942, and ask to speak to one of us.
Thanks be to God for the many ways we continue to reach out to each other through the power of God’s Spirit within us, and thanks be to God for the gift of our Stephen Ministers. May we continue to “love one another and God has first loved us!”
—Pr. Tim Lemme