Stephen Ministers: The After People

This information is adapted and used with permission, from a presentation made during a worship service by Enie Bourland, a lay Stephen Leader at Houston's First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

Stephen Ministers are the "After People." We are ready to come alongside you-or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives-and provide comfort and support for as long "after" as we are needed.

Frequently friends will ask, "I know you're involved in Stephen Ministry. Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?" I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are "After People." Stephen Ministers are there:

… after you've washed and returned the last casserole dish.
… after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life.
… after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away-and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty.
… after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you've held at bay come crashing in on you.
… after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful.
… after the doctors have said, "There's nothing more we can do."
… after the door has slammed shut-for the very last time.
… after the phone call you'd always hoped you'd never get.
… after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined.
… after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, "Welcome to your new home."
… after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
… after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible.
… after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck.
… after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

Copyright © 2003 by Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, Missouri.