The After People
When was the last time you needed to share a burden that you were carrying and you found someone who really listened to you? I’m talking about the undistracted, full-attention, empathetic kind of listening. Chances are, you felt loved, understood, and valued. You were likely able to express your thoughts, feelings, and spiritual concerns in a way that helped you make sense of what was going on in your life and you felt the grace of our Lord Jesus in a fresh way.
Empathetic listening is one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others, especially after a crisis or after another significant event in one’s life. Because of this, Stephen Ministers are sometimes called the After People. Quoting from the Stephen Ministry:
“Stephen Minister: The After People
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
. . . after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
. . . after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.
. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
. . . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”
. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
. . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty.
. . . after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
. . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the ‘After People.’ They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.”
Stephen Ministers receive over 50 hours of training on various topics such as distinctively Christian care, feelings, the art of listening, how to allow God to be the true cure-giver in a caring relationship, confidentiality, assertiveness, maintaining healthy boundaries, and much more. People interested in becoming Stephen Ministers complete an application and are interviewed to make sure this ministry is a good fit. If you’re interested in being trained to be a Stephen Minister and serving others in this way, contact Steve or Mary Muir or Mitch or Betty Lea.