Summer, 2003: In response to one-on-one caregiving needs identified at Administrative Council sessions. Early 2004: The NOW Council began exploring ministry options. Summer, 2004: A committee began evaluating the Stephen Ministry option. Spring, 2005: Seven members of the committee attended a Stephen Ministry workshop in Kingsport and came back excited about bringing this ministry to the church and community. July, 2005: The Administrative Council approved a plan to enroll in the ministry Fall, 2005: The committee chose a leadership team of four people to lead the congregation's use of Stephen Ministry. January, 2006: The team leaders attended a one-week Leaders' Training Course. February, 2006: Began recruiting and selecting Stephen Ministers. April 8, 2006: Begin training program for Stephen Ministers. August, 2006: Stephen Ministers will be available to give distinctively Christian caregiving to care receivers identified from the congregation or community. |
