We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as—

• Loss of a loved one

• Hospitalization

• Divorce or separation

• Loneliness or discouragement

• Spiritual crises

• Unemployment or a job crisis

• Terminal illness

• Incarceration

• Aging

• Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility

• Chronic Illness

• Relocation

• Recovery after an accident or disaster

• And many more

Stephen Ministry

is a confidential ministry

The identity of those receiving care

and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

A Stephen Minister Is:

• 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 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.

• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential.

A Stephen Minister is not:

• A counselor or therapist;

• A problem solver;

• Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or

• A casual visitor.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you can talk to the pastor, the Stephen Leader, or a member of the Board of Deacons in the congregation.

Stephen Leaders:  

Betty Jo Dickson

703-451-5542

bjkd79@verizon.net

Carl Rush, Pastor

703-971-1171

pastor@bushhill.org

 Stephen Ministers:

Steve Greenlaw

sgreenla@umw.edu

Alice Malone

Donna Olsen

Mary Szymanski

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [Gal. 6:2]  

The Stephen Ministry logo, with the broken person behind the cross and the whole person in front of the cross, symbolizes that we are all broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.

Stephen Ministers will help guide you in your journey from brokenness to wholeness.