Plymouth Magazine-Spring24-FINAL - Flipbook - Page 5
Meet Our Stephen Ministers
Kristen Bolt
Deb Brookhart
Plymouth member: 40 years
Plymouth member: 18 years
Stephen Minister: 2 years
Stephen Minister: 6 years
Why did you become a Stephen Minister?
I had a Stephen Minister when I went
through my divorce. It was such a positive
and helpful experience to have someone
who just listened and helped me make sense
of everything I was thinking and feeling. I
wanted to give that gift to others.
What Scripture, quote, or saying do you personally refer to when
faced with a challenging or difficult situation?
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2. We get so many messages
thrown at us all the time; I find it helpful to remember there is
something more.
What would you like Plymouth to know about Stephen Ministers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes that can be a hard ask,
especially for stoic Midwesterners but we are all built for community
and Stephen Ministers are here to be that support.
Bev Burns
Plymouth member: 33 years
Stephen Minister: 25 years
Why did you become a Stephen Minister?
I had served on Benevolences and
Membership and felt a need to get involved
in something that would be about caring
for the beloved community that had
welcomed me.
What Scripture, quote, or saying do you
personally refer to when faced with a challenging or difficult situation?
The reminder “to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.”
What would you like Plymouth to know about Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Minsters are a wonderful group of people; each one of them
will listen carefully in a non-judgmental way, honor confidentiality
and care deeply about their Care Receiver. While they are dedicated to
their mission, they also know how to have fun together.
Do you feel called to Stephen Ministry?
Have you pondered the possibility? Don’t pass up the
opportunity to go deeper into relationship with yourself, your
family and friends, and your church community. Learn about
listening, understanding feelings, relating firmly but gently
while maintaining personal boundaries with yourself and others.
Why did you become a Stephen Minister?
My heart and hands have always been in
helping others. I did not have the financial
means to help others at the time but could
be helpful and useful in other ways. Each
Sunday when Pastor Pat Oberbilig was part
of the service, she would ask that we extend
a hand in Christian love to our neighbors. She was leading the Stephen
Ministry program at the time, and I thought if she was leading the call,
it must be something special, so when Dave Nelson approached myself
and my wife, we signed up for the Class of 2008.
What Scripture, quote, or saying do you personally refer to when
faced with a challenging or difficult situation?
If God brings me to it, He will bring me through it.
What would you like Plymouth to know about Stephen Ministers?
A Stephen Minister is what you are trained to do, but it is about
who you become as a result of the training. The way you listen and
communicate is different, not to mention you listen to seek knowledge
and understanding versus to have your thoughts and opinions heard.
These are lifelong skills that help you and, ultimately others in every
facet of your life; how you interact with your spouse, your children,
your friends, and neighbors. How you handle situations and interact
with those at work, those who oppose your values, way of thinking and
everything you hold to be just.
Mark Doherty
Plymouth member: 14 years
Stephen Minister: 9 years
Why did you become a Stephen Minister?
It wasn’t part of a grand plan. A “job fair”
of sorts was being held in Waveland Hall
to help recruit new members to boards,
committees, etc. I stopped and talked with
Deb Brookhart at the Stephen Ministers
booth. Best stop I ever made.
What Scripture, quote, or saying do you personally refer to when
faced with a challenging or difficult situation?
I quite often refer to a hymn. Music can be an important part of
courage and healing. One of my favorites is “Great is Your Faithfulness.”
Number P-4 in our hymnals.
What would you like Plymouth to know about Stephen Ministers?
The first thing to be aware of is the confidentiality agreement between
the Stephen Minister, the Care Receiver, and the Holy Spirit. The
Stephen Minister truly becomes a vessel. And it is our honor and
privilege to walk beside the Care Receiver in the time of crisis.
Contact Pastor LeAnn Stubbs (lstubbs@plymouthchurch.com)
to talk about next steps.
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