At some point in life, we all face periods of crises, difficulty, or transition. During these times, people can receive great benefit from a caring relationship with someone who will faithfully listen, empathize, pray with and for them and encourage them with Christ’s love and care. Stephen Ministry, a confidential service, offers same gender lay care-givers who are trained to walk with those experiencing difficult times. Linda Penhallegon has served as the Stephen Ministry Leader for several years’ now. Linda says that she feels directly called by God for this ministry as a Leader. “I know it’s a call, because this isn’t something I had ever thought about.” Linda was asked to serve in this way, and after spending time in prayer realized that even though it felt like it came out of the blue, she felt energized like a lightning bolt realizing this was God’s call for her.
The Ministry serves attendees of Bothell United Methodist Church as well as those from the community at large and has been a part of the churches goal of “Becoming Christ in the Community” since 1995. Stephen Ministry began in 1975, and is offered in more than 10,000 congregations in the United States and around the world. As God’s gifts are freely given to all, Stephen Ministry is open to all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and is not limited by a person’s economic means, health or social condition. There is no cost to meet with a Stephen Minister.
In the monthly meetings of the Stephen Ministers, she hears the stories and results and knows that transformation is happening. “Transformation isn’t always monumental, more often it is slow and subtle.” Although she has seen awakening moments as well. Stories are shared in a way that honors the confidentiality of the care receiver.
A Stephen Minister will most often initially meet with their “Care Receiver” weekly for about an hour in a mutually agreed upon location. The ministry relationship may continue for weeks, months or at times, several years. Challenges faced by Care Receivers include: death of a spouse or loved one; divorce, job loss and unemployment; loss of one’s own health or mobility; depression and loneliness; personal spiritual crises; transition to a new home or assisted living; and other life stressors and difficulties.
A Stephen Minister has been there for a woman whose spouse was terminally ill, providing support, prayer and a compassionate hand and ear during the grieving process. A man who was facing his own end of life journey, had a Stephen Minister to walk with him. One elderly woman had been very active in the church but was now facing health challenges that left her wondering how she could continue to find self-worth. Her Stephen Minister journeyed beside her through the transition, fear and grief. Another man found comfort in talking with his Stephen Minister about his recent divorce and the anger and uncertainty that comes from a life upheaval. There are many Stephen Minister relationships and stories, some short term, some long lasting, that provide Christian comfort and support to our brothers and sisters in times of crises or personal struggle.
When the Stephen Ministers meet they keep the names confidential and only share in general the ways in which they work at listening, caring and participating in this transformative work. She knows that people feel blessings when they are Stephen Ministers and when they meet with one. She has watched people become more receptive to God and how God is working in their lives. She has seen a woman be able to transform her relationship in a positive way with her husband after meeting regularly with her caregiver. Being a part of this work has increased Linda’s faith in God exponentially she says, and she has seen it also increase the faith of the caregivers – this faith is at the core of their work.
If you would like more information about this Ministry or would like to request a Stephen Minister, please contact Linda Penhallegon at 425-821-4880 (h) or 206-396-4692 (c) or email lindapenhallegon@gmail.com. You may also contact Pastor Joe Kim at the church, 425-486-7132.
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