GPBC Blog

Being unemployed is never a good feeling. There’s an emptiness inside, a desire to be productive, and an uncertainty about what’s next. So, what do we do?

Pastor Tom, in his Introduction to the Church...a Master-Planned Community sermon, said, “Healthy churches look like Jesus, a spiritual hospital for those in need of healing and wholeness, where the love of Christ flows freely.” I believe GPBC reflects this. And then he added, “Some of us are spiritually unemployed, uncertain where we are to serve. We might be asking ourselves, ‘Where does God want to employ me? Where does He want me to serve?’” Pastor Tom reminded us that “by the will of God, He has called us.” Jesus loves us and shows up in many ways in our lives and in our community.

How do we show Jesus we love Him? In Matthew 10:42, we are instructed to give a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty. And in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” At GPBC, one way we live this out is through Stephen Ministry where we offer care to those who are struggling, carrying heavy burdens, or going through difficult times. They have a Christian brother or sister to walk alongside them giving one-on-one, confidential, non-judgmental, and distinctively Christian care.

Stephen Ministers are specially trained to engage with people who are hurting—not as counselors, but as companions in the journey. These ministers are trained to be a Christ-centered caregiver, staying connected to Jesus as He works through them to bring care, compassion, and healing. As Jesus says in John 15:4-5, it’s essential to remain connected to Him while doing ministry. Stephen Ministers provide the care, but it’s God who brings the healing. We are all broken, but through the cross of Jesus, we can be made whole. That’s why we say: Stephen Ministers are the caregivers, and God is the Curegiver!

Back to Pastor Tom’s statement: “Some of us are spiritually unemployed, uncertain where we are to serve. We might be asking ourselves, ‘Where does God want to employ me? Where does He want me to serve?’

Stephen Ministry is currently looking to add more Stephen Ministers to its team to serve our community. Training begins this coming January. If you feel called to care for people one-on-one and be the hands and feet of Jesus—or even if you just want to take the training to see if it’s a good fit—we’d love to talk with you. You’ll gain valuable skills for your Christian walk, even if you decide not to become a Stephen Minister.

Visit our table in the lobby starting Sunday, October 13 for more information, or contact Mitch Lea ( ), Steve or Mary Muir ( ), Jane Lewis ( ), or Paula Peterson ( ), , or the church office at (503) 452-9375.