Olivet Presbyterian Church is reactivating its charter membership with the Stephen Ministries of Saint Louis, Missouri. The Stephen Ministries is an organization founded in 1975 with the primary goal of training lay people to give high quality, Christ-centered, confidential care for people experiencing any life crisis.

    Named for Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose life, trial and death are detailed in Acts 6 and 7, the mission of the Stephen Ministries has evolved over the years to keep pace with the needs of the care receivers the Ministries serve. Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting - both congregation members and nonmembers alike.

    Our Ministry is lead and mentored by Rich Fahey, along with leader, Chaplin and mentor, Terri Fahey. The current team is rounded out by Boyd Bishop, Mary Bishop and Patty Lefner. Mary Bishop is the team's referral coordinator.

    What is a Stephen Minister? A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting. A congregation member with gifts for care-giving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role. A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional, confidential 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, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.

    If you are in need of confidential Christian support during a difficult time, or know of someone who could benefit from a one on one Christian support relationship, please call Mary Bishop at 832-3266.

    We are here to serve our congregation and our community.

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2